By Robert Kibet
In a vibrant celebration at a Nairobi hotel, Betika, a leading Kenyan betting company, unveiled a groundbreaking Ksh. 15 million ($102,000) sponsorship for the 2024/2025 athletics season. The ceremony, filled with a spirit of unity and aspiration, brought together Kenya's celebrated athletes, rising talents, and key stakeholders in the athletics community, signaling a transformative chapter for a nation that has consistently made its mark on the global athletics stage.
The event featured luminaries such as Timothy Cheruiyot, Ruth Chepngetich, Patrick Makau, and emerging stars Monicah Safania, Dan Kiviasi, and Joan Cherono. Cheruiyot, a 1,500m specialist renowned for his tactical prowess and blistering finishes, has earned accolades, including a gold medal at the 2019 World Championships in Doha and an Olympic silver from Tokyo 2020. His steady dominance in middle-distance running exemplifies Kenya's unparalleled track legacy.
Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women’s world marathon record holder, is renowned for her exceptional endurance and relentless pace. Earlier this year, she shattered the world marathon record with an awe-inspiring time of 2:14:04 at the Chicago Marathon, further cementing Kenya's dominance in long-distance running. A World Championship gold medalist and a consistent victor in elite races, Chepngetich's performances continue to captivate the global athletics community and inspire the next generation of Kenyan runners.
Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau, who set a historic time of 2:03:38 at the 2011 Berlin Marathon, emphasized the importance of partnerships like Betika's in empowering grassroots athletes. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Kenyan runners.
Betika CEO Mutua Mutava expressed the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots level, underscoring the need to create platforms for young athletes. “We had our inaugural Betika race in April 2022 and saw how passionate Kenyans are about athletics,” Mutua noted. Highlighting events such as the Nandi Betika 15km race, the Iten 15km race, and the Uasin Gishu Betika Half Marathon, Mutua stressed their role in offering athletes visibility and support.
Of the Ksh. 15 million sponsorship, Ksh. 5 million ($34,000) will be allocated to cross-country prize money, while Ksh. 1 million ($6,800) will reward winners in track and field series events. For the national championships, first-place winners will now take home Ksh. 150,000 ($1,020), a significant increase aimed at motivating athletes to pursue their dreams.
Reflecting on past successes, Mutava emphasized the potential for the sponsorship to elevate Kenya's athletics infrastructure and provide much-needed training opportunities. "This sport is more than just an event—it’s a unifying force and a platform for representing Kenya on the world stage," he said.
Athletics Kenya President Rtd. General Jackson Tuwei called for the recognition of the legends who have paved the way for Kenya’s dominance in athletics. “We must analyze the number of world records we hold and appreciate our history,” he remarked. Tuwei highlighted the need for holistic development, urging stakeholders to invest in the welfare of athletes, including equipping them with communication skills to market Kenya globally.
Tuwei also stressed the importance of maintaining sports facilities, citing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as an example. The stadium, which hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, will welcome athletes again in 2028. “These landmark moments remind us of the importance of preserving our athletic infrastructure,” Tuwei said.
The event also addressed critical social issues affecting Kenyan athletes, including recent incidents of mysterious deaths and cases linked to gender-based violence. Tuwei called for mutual respect among athletes, particularly on social media, and urged collective action to address these challenges within the sport.
Chepngetich praised Betika's initiative, highlighting its potential to nurture young talent across Kenya and Africa. "This kind of support ensures we have a platform to grow and represent Kenya on the world stage," she said.
Makau echoed her sentiments, calling for more corporate involvement to uplift grassroots athletes and provide them with the resources necessary to excel. “Kenya has immense talent. Partnerships like these create opportunities for athletes who may otherwise never reach their potential,” Makau said.
Betika's sponsorship reflects its commitment to elevating Kenyan athletics, ensuring athletes have access to training, resources, and global exposure. As the athletics season unfolds, this initiative promises to inspire hope and opportunity for athletes and communities across Kenya.
This sponsorship not only uplifts individual athletes but also strengthens the foundation of Kenya’s athletic future. With enhanced prize structures, improved infrastructure, and grassroots focus, the partnership aims to cement Kenya’s position as a powerhouse in global athletics while fostering a culture of excellence and sustainability.
