KAA announces sponsorship for inaugural Benjamin Ayimba rugby tournament

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi with Kenya Rugby League Federation (KRLF) Chairperson Quicks Nyakwaka during the launch of Benjamin Ayimba rugby legacy tournament Masaku edition on March 10, 2023. [John Muia, Standard]

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced a Sh1.2 million sponsorship for the inaugural Benjamin Ayimba Legacy Rugby Tournament.

The three day 2023 tournament edition is expected to attract an estimated 10, 000 spectators from across the country.

KAA General Manager Marketing and Business Development Jacob Bwana says the move is part of the Authority's strategy to invest in the future generation.

"We are excited to be associated with the rugby tournament that has attracted the youth. KAA is playing a key role in building hubs for the future to explore new markets and opportunities for investments into upgrading cold chain and transport infrastructure for the perishables sector. We want to urge the youth to take up these opportunities," he said.

Bwana said the tournament scheduled between 7-9 April, 2023 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos is set to celebrate the late Ayimba, former National rugby sevens team head coach.

"We are excited about this sponsorship. It will go a long way in helping the event come to life. We want to thank the management of KAA for this support," said Kenya Rugby League Federation (KRFL) Chairman Quicks Nyakwaka.

The tournament will consist of three categories which include: the men, women, and developmental sides with different partners having teams.

Ayimba who had been in and out of hospital since 2020 passed away on May 22, 2021 after battling cerebral malaria.

He was the first Kenyan and African coach outside of South Africa to win a World Rugby Sevens Series Cup title in 2016 at the Singapore Sevens.