Companies keen to sponsor clubs

The company spent another Sh10 million to hype up the event that brought together 12 countries from the region.

Telkom Kenya became part of the Orange family recently when the French firm bought majority shares in the Kenyan company.

Orange sponsors some of the top national teams and leagues on the continent like the Ivory Coast.

Orange has also signed an eight-year deal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to sponsor their various events.

Their entry into the local market is a major milestone for local sports. The Company’s Managing Director Michael Ghossien said they are keen on sponsoring the national team Harambee Stars.

He said while announcing the Cecafa sponsorship: "Ours is an international brand and we are keen on supporting Harambee Stars so that we can help them achieve the same status."

Ghossein said the firm is already in contact with various clubs in the country on the possibility of sponsoring them.

The Kenya Premier League is already enjoying a Sh400 million television rights four year deal from Super Sport.

Safari Sevens

Mobile phone company Safaricom took over as the new sponsors of the popular Safari Sevens rugby tournament after paying Sh 25 million.

The company has set aside another Sh 3million to put up a modern media centre.

Safaricom took over following the withdrawal of East African Breweries Limited, who supported the event for several years.

The tournament known for bringing to Kenya top rugby playing nations will now be referred to as Safaricom Sevens.

Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph while announcing his firm’s sponsorship did not forget to remind all that he has been trying for years to sponsor rugby, a statement that proves how popular the event has became over the years.

"We have always had our eyes on rugby for quite some time and we always wanted to be part of it, but unfortunately the previous sponsors were not willing to share so we just had to wait," said Joseph.

"We are excited to join the Sevens community and we are open to partnering with any sponsor for the Safaricom Sevens, even if it is the previous sponsor as long as we get to retain the title rights," added Joseph.

Rugby was the recipient of another Sh15 million from national carrier Kenya Airways for the Sevens rugby team. The 15’s team is also involved in the deal and will receive 120 air-tickets over the period of the sponsorship.

Another rugby sponsorship was the Sh4 million forked out by Western Union Money transfer to support the local Sevens Series.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) doled out Sh7.5 million to sponsor the national cross-country series. A total of Sh1.5million has been set aside as prize money to be paid out to athletes who win the various races and there is a jackpot set aside for the athlete who wins the most number of series.