At least 575 football players from 25 teams across Kenya are set to benefit from a KSh 6.7 million sports development initiative launched by betPawa aimed at strengthening grassroots football development.
The initiative involves the distribution of full playing kits and essential training equipment to both men’s and women’s teams, underlining the company’s commitment to inclusivity and community-based sports development.
Under the programme, each player will receive a complete playing kit consisting of jerseys, shorts, and socks. Teams have also been supplied with four match balls each, bringing the total number of balls distributed to 100. In addition, the sponsorship package includes 575 training bibs and 75 pairs of goalkeeper gloves.
The support is expected to ease the burden faced by many local football clubs that continue to struggle with inadequate access to basic sporting equipment, a challenge that has long affected player development and team performance in many parts of the country.
Beneficiary teams include Maungu All Stars FC, Majengo FC, Mwendo FC, Kisii Wazee FC, Kapkorech Starlet, St Josephus Nakuru, Maringo United, Masimba Queens, Lugusi FC, Youngboys FC, Livewire FC, Panga FC, Black Stallion FC, UNESCO FC, Kangeta Youth FC, Kangami FC, Gategi Ladies, HCE FC, Falcon Queens, Arrows of Kajembe Starlets, Atletico Kangemi SC, Kibagare Girls FC, Kick It Kenya FC, Shimanzi FC, and Nyanturago Town Boys FC.
The initiative comes at a time when many community football teams continue to rely heavily on local fundraising efforts and community support to finance playing kits, training gear, and other operational needs.
“Because talent is everywhere in Kenya. You see it in community fields, in local leagues, in the quiet determination of players who show up every week, often with very little, but with everything to give,” said Borah Ndanyungu.
The provision of standardised kits and training equipment is expected to improve team organisation, enhance match preparedness, and create a more professional playing environment for emerging football talent.
Women’s teams form a significant portion of the beneficiaries, reflecting betPawa’s wider commitment to promoting equity in sports. The company has previously championed equal opportunities through initiatives such as its Locker Room Bonus (LRB) programme, where both men’s and women’s teams receive equal bonus payments for victories.
The latest investment adds to a growing number of private sector initiatives aimed at supporting football development at the grassroots level and strengthening community structures that nurture sporting talent across the country.