SportPesa has committed Ksh. 20 million to the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, underscoring its growing appetite for diversified sports sponsorship and formally stepping into the elite golf space.
The funding will support the 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, a cornerstone event on the DP World Tour and one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments.
Over the years, the championship has evolved into a global sporting spectacle, attracting leading international golfers, broadcast networks and sports tourism stakeholders.
The sponsorship was unveiled at Karen Country Club, the host venue for the tournament, where SportPesa executives outlined their vision for sustained involvement in golf.
“This is our grand entry into golf, and we are going to keep doing this for years to come,” said SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri. “Supporting the Magical Kenya Open means backing a world-class sporting product that enhances Kenya’s international reputation.”
Higher Stakes, Bigger Platform
The 2026 edition is expected to bring together 144 players competing for an enhanced prize purse of USD 2.7 million, reinforcing the tournament’s stature within the global golfing calendar.
Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath welcomed the partnership, noting that corporate support is critical in maintaining the tournament’s international standards.
“We welcome SportPesa as the official gaming and betting partner for the Magical Kenya Open 2026. Their backing strengthens our capacity to deliver a top-tier tournament experience and sustain Kenya’s visibility on the global golfing stage,” Obath said.
The Magical Kenya Open has increasingly become a platform for showcasing Brand Kenya, facilitating global engagement and stimulating economic activity through tourism and related sectors.
Kenya will field 10 professional and amateur golfers in the 2026 competition, including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke and Jacob Okello. Okello’s second-place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the highest achievement by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.
KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru said the partnership marks a pivotal step in the event’s long-term strategy.
“In golf, excellence is built on preparation, precision and partnership. With SportPesa’s involvement, we are positioning the Magical Kenya Open not only as a successful tournament, but as a sustainable global brand,” Meru said.
Part of a Wider Investment Drive
The golf sponsorship adds to SportPesa’s expanding sports portfolio. Recently, the company unveiled a Ksh. 120 million multi-sport investment covering rallying, boxing and rugby. It also maintains a Ksh. 1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League and supports football clubs including Gor Mahia FC, Murang’a SEAL and Shabana FC.
Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson said the company’s strategy aligns with Kenya’s broader push to host world-class sporting events across disciplines.
“Kenya is steadily strengthening its profile as a destination for major international competitions. We are proud to contribute to that journey by investing in platforms that elevate the country’s global competitiveness,” Gibson said.
With increased financial backing and a growing international footprint, the 2026 Magical Kenya Open is poised to further entrench Kenya’s place on the world golfing map.
