Kenya’s giant betting firm, SportPesa, has announced a Ksh. 20 million sponsorship towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, reaffirming its strategic investment in the local 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 event on the DP World Tour calendar, attracting elite international golfers, global media coverage, and sports tourism opportunities.
Speaking during the announcement at the Karen Country Club, the host golf course for the competition, 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 golf players are expected to compete for this year’s edition which has an improved prize purse of USD 2.7 million.
Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath commented on 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.”
As a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar, the Magical Kenya Open has grown significantly in stature in recent years, becoming a platform for elite competition, investment, collaboration, and the promotion of Brand Kenya to global audiences.
Kenya’s flag will be flown by 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 a Kenyan has achieved in the Kenya Open.
“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,” said KOGL Commercial Director, Ronald Meru.
The investment in golf comes barely a fortnight after SportPesa announced a Ksh. 120 million multi-sports investment targeting rallying, boxing and rugby. The company also has a running Kes. 1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League where it also sponsors 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, Chief Commercial Officer at SportPesa.
