Kenya’s pool sport is set for a major organisational shift following a multi-million-shilling investment by SportPesa to establish a national competitive circuit targeting players at grassroots and professional levels.
The SportPesa National Pool Circuit, launched in partnership with Cuevolution Plus Africa Limited, will create a structured competition system under the Black Ball Rules format, providing players with regular tournaments and a progression route from local competitions to the national stage.
The inaugural season will begin with grassroots competitions running from September 21 to October 4 across multiple venues and hubs countrywide.
The competition will subsequently move into regional championships before three circuit events are held in Eldoret, Nakuru and Mombasa. The season will conclude with the SportPesa National Pool Finals in Nairobi from January 8 to 10, 2027.
SportPesa Chief Executive Officer Ronald Karauri said the investment was aimed at addressing the gap between the popularity of pool in Kenya and the structures available to support its competitive development.
“There is significant talent in Kenya that remains largely undiscovered because the structures around the sport have not kept pace with the passion and participation,” Karauri said.
He said the new circuit would provide players with an opportunity to compete consistently, develop their skills and gain recognition.
“Through the SportPesa National Pool Circuit, we want to change that by creating a platform where players can compete, develop, earn recognition and ultimately see sport as a viable economic activity,” he said.
Creating opportunities beyond the table
The organisers are positioning the circuit as more than a series of tournaments, with the programme expected to support the growth of a wider pool industry.
Opportunities could emerge for coaches, tournament officials, club operators, equipment technicians, content producers and other professionals involved in organising and supporting competitive pool.
The potential for commercial growth is also reflected in developments within the international pool industry.
More than US$11.4 million, equivalent to about KSh1.5 billion, was distributed as prize money through World Pool Association-sanctioned events in 2025, according to the association.
Cuevolution Plus Africa Director Collins Tuwei said Kenya has a sizeable pool-playing community but requires stronger structures to convert participation into a sustainable competitive ecosystem.
“Talent and passion already exist across the country; what has been missing is a structured platform that can bring that talent together, provide consistent competition and give players something to aspire to,” Tuwei said.
He said the partnership would help raise the standard of competitions while increasing the visibility of players and identifying new talent.
National pathway
The circuit’s format will allow players to progress through different stages of competition, starting at the grassroots before moving into regional and national events.
Following the initial grassroots phase, Eldoret will host a circuit event from November 6 to 8, followed by Nakuru from November 20 to 22 and Mombasa from December 4 to 6.
The leading performers will qualify for the national finals in Nairobi in January 2027.
The organisers expect the decentralised competition model to widen access to high-level pool competitions and provide players outside Nairobi with opportunities to test themselves against some of the country’s leading competitors.
Pool has a substantial grassroots following in Kenya, with players participating in venues across the country. However, its development has largely been constrained by limited national competition structures, investment and clearly defined progression pathways.
The new circuit seeks to address these challenges by establishing a regular national calendar and giving players a platform through which they can develop their skills and build competitive profiles.
For SportPesa, the investment forms part of its wider approach to supporting sports outside the country’s traditional disciplines.
The long-term ambition is to strengthen the pool ecosystem and demonstrate that the sport can support professional careers and generate economic opportunities for players and other participants.
If successful, the circuit could provide a model for developing other emerging sporting disciplines in Kenya, linking grassroots participation with organised competition, commercial investment and professional opportunities.
