Athletes set to reap big after AK signed a Ksh 15 million Sponsorship deal with Betika

Athletes competing in weekend track and field meets as well as the National cross-country series are set to reap big after Athletics Kenya signed a sponsorship deal worth 15 million Kenya shillings with betting firm Betika.

Speaking during the launch, Athletics Kenya President Retired Leutenant General Jack Tuwei said the partnership dubbed The Road to Tokyo will see 5 million shillings set aside as prize money for the remaining three cross country series, while 10 million shillings will be rewarded to athletes who will participate in the track and field events leading up to the national trials to select Team Kenya for next year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Betika, a brand that has consistently demonstrated its dedication to sports and the athletes who make these success stories possible. Having closely observed Betika’s involvement, especially their sponsorship of the first marathon in Iten in April 2022, we are confident that this partnership will have a lasting impact. As we look ahead to the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, their ongoing support, at every level, has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to see them engage with us at an even greater capacity.”Said Tuwei

Speaking at the unveiling, Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava said: “This partnership is a testament to our continued support for Kenyan athletics. We have been in the athletics space for a while, sponsoring and holding different races and track and field events,and this collaboration gets us immersed fully in the sport. Athletics has always been a source of pride for our nation, and we are honoured to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and ensuring our athletes have every resource to excel on the world stage. We are particularly excited to be part of the Road to Tokyo, a journey embodying the dedication and excellence Kenyan athletes are known for. This sponsorship is specifically focused on providing prize money, further supporting our athletes’ hard work and achievements as they strive for greatness on the global stage”.

Under the new partnership, the series will highlight a new prize money structure for the top ten finishes in the senior category, the U-20 category, and the 2KM loop during the National Cross-Country Championship.

Winners in the three categories will go home with Ksh 150,00 for the senior category, Ksh 100,000 for the U-20 category, and Ksh 50,000 for the 2 KM Loop.

Athletics Kenya and Betika are also working towards a long-term partnership that will cover preparations for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 to ensure Kenya posts better results than the 2024 Paris Olympics.