SportPesa injected Sh20 million into the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, marking its official entry into golf sponsorship and reaffirming its expanding footprint in Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
The sponsorship will support the 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments and a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar. The event attracts elite international golfers, global media attention, and significant sports tourism opportunities.
Speaking during the announcement at Karen Country Club, the tournament’s host venue, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri described the move as a long-term strategic investment.
“This is our grand entry into golf, and we are going to keep doing this for years to come,” said Karauri.
“By supporting the Magical Kenya Open, we are investing in a platform that attracts world-class talent and enhances Kenya’s international reputation as a competitive host for premier sporting events.”
This year’s tournament will feature 144 golfers competing for an enhanced prize purse of USD2.7 million, underscoring the event’s growing stature on the global golfing calendar.
Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath welcomed the partnership, saying SportPesa’s involvement would elevate the tournament experience.
“We welcome SportPesa as the official gaming and betting partner for the Magical Kenya Open 2026. Their support will help enhance the tournament experience for players, fans, and partners while reinforcing Kenya’s position on the global golfing calendar,” Obath said.
Over recent years, the Magical Kenya Open has evolved beyond a sporting contest into a platform for elite competition, international investment, and the promotion of Brand Kenya.
Kenya will be represented by 10 professional and amateur golfers, including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke, and Jacob Okello.
Okello’s second-place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the best performance by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.
KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in building the tournament’s legacy.
“In golf, we know success is never accidental. It takes preparation, precision, and strong partnerships. With SportPesa on board, we are not just aiming to host a great tournament — we are positioning Magical Kenya Open for sustained growth and greater international prestige,” Meru said.
The golf sponsorship comes just two weeks after SportPesa unveiled a Sh120 million multi-sports investment targeting rallying, boxing, and rugby. The company also maintains a Sh1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League and sponsors top clubs including Gor Mahia FC, Murang’a SEAL, and Shabana FC.
SportPesa Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson said the company is keen to support Kenya’s growing ambitions as a global sporting hub.
“Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a host for international sporting events across athletics, rugby, football, motorsport, and now elite golf. We are proud to contribute to this journey by backing events that enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness,” Gibson said.
The latest investment signals rising private-sector confidence in Kenya’s flagship international sporting events and reinforces efforts to position the country as a premier destination for global sports.
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