Southampton CEO Gareth Rogers (left) and Commercial Director David Thomas (right) displays a SportPesa branded team jersey with the betting firm's CEO, Ronald Karauri (second left) and Chairman Paul Ndung'u. [Photo: nairobinews.nation.co.ke]
Sports betting firm Sportpesa has been asked to reconsider its decision to withdraw all its sponsorship contracts in the country.
Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei said the move is likely to affect many youths who were benefiting directly or indirectly through the sponsorships.
Speaking in Eldoret town on Wednesday, Cherargei asked Sportpesa management not to look at their profits but also consider the negative effected of their decision.
"Young people are likely to be affected by this move and we ask that Sportpesa looks at the long-term effects since withdrawing sponsorship may mean no income for our youths who will end up engaging in drug abuse," noted the youthful Senator.
"Sportpesa and any other sponsors in this country should always look at the well being of the people before making any such decisions which might be based on their urge to make profits," he added.
The Jubilee allied Senator, however, asked the ministry of Sports to put in place mechanisms that will ensure companies that support local sporting activities work under favorable business conditions.
Sportpesa withdrew all its sponsorship contracts in the country beginning this month (January) after gaming association of Kenya lost a court case challenging new laws imposing 35% tax on gross betting proceeds.
The giant Sports betting firm had sponsorship deals with various teams among them Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).