Kenya 7s teams, Shujaa and Lionesses, have received a significant boost following the return of telecommunications giant Safaricom as their sponsor through its Mpesa brand.
Mpesa will be the front shirt sponsor for the Kenya Lionesses and the back sponsor for Shujaa, committing a sponsorship package of Ksh 90 million over two years. Each team is set to receive up to Ksh 22.5 million annually.
Kenya 7s sorted
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Sasha Mutai highlighted that critical issues such as player insurance and salaries had been addressed through this sponsorship.
“We welcome Safaricom. We are teaming up with the biggest brand in Africa. Safaricom will be co-sponsoring Kenya 7s, and it is a joint effort to push the teams as the players aim to bring glory. This is a winning brand, and a winning brand has come in, and we are on the winning track,” Mutai stated.
Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, elaborated on the comprehensive support Mpesa will provide, including financial literacy training, salary payments, airtime allowances and insurance for the players.
“We want the players to be well taken care of. Our sponsorship will cover direct payments. As you work hard, know you have something at the end of the month. We also care for your health and will educate players on how to save, credit, and borrow to ensure they have financial literacy. Our sponsorship is for two years and will cover both men’s and women’s teams. We hope that it builds fantastic yields for the sport and the country at large,” she said.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- Mike Friday advice to Kenya 7s
- List of laws to be used in Kenya Cup 2024/25
- 1 step forward, 2 back: A story of Kenya Rugby Referees
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-Pesa Africa, emphasized that players will receive their salaries directly via Mpesa, ensuring prompt payments and eliminating inconveniences. He also reassured the rugby community that the players’ welfare would be prioritized.
“To be told what the players earn, and they play on the World 7s Series, was something that I took personally. I want to apologize to the rugby fraternity to get here. We started this discussion a long time ago. The Safaricom employees get their salaries at this time, and the players will also be receiving the salaries at this time via Mpesa. They will get the same cover as me and their family, and they will not have to worry about injuries or their families,” Lopokoiyit stated.
This sponsorship marks a new chapter for Kenya 7s, with the players now assured of financial stability and support as they represent the country on the world stage.
Kenya
