SportPesa has unveiled a Sh20 million sponsorship package for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, marking a fresh push by the betting firm to deepen its presence in the local sports sector.
The sponsorship will back the 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, one of Africa’s premier golf tournaments and a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar that draws top international players, global media attention and sports tourism.
Speaking during the announcement at Karen Country Club, the tournament’s host venue, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said: “This is our grand entry into golf, and we are going to keep doing this for years to come.
“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.”
A total of 144 golfers are expected to compete in this year’s edition, which has a prize purse of USD 2.7 million.
Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath welcomed the partnership, saying:
“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.”
In recent years, the Magical Kenya Open has grown in stature, evolving into a platform not only for elite competition but also for investment, collaboration and promotion of Kenya to international audiences.
Kenya will field 10 professional and amateur golfers, including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke and Jacob Okello, whose second-place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the best performance by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.
“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.”KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru added.
The golf sponsorship comes barely two weeks after SportPesa announced a Sh120 million multi-sport investment targeting rallying, boxing and rugby. The company also runs the Sh1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League and backs clubs including Gor Mahia FC, Murang’a SEAL and Shabana FC.
“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,” concluded Jason Gibson, SportPesa’s Chief Commercial Officer.
