Sports

TECNO has commenced a 100-pitch renovation program aimed at boosting grassroots football across African communities, with the inaugural project breaking ground at Austin Grounds in Mulango Kubwa, Mathare, Kenya.

Announcing the initiative in tandem with TECNO’s role as Official Global Partner of AFCON Morocco 2025 and the East African edition in 2027, the company underscored its strengthened ties with the Confederation of African Football, building on its prior sponsorship of the 2023 tournament.

“At TECNO, our AFCON partnership goes beyond elite competition; it’s about investing in the grassroots, the true heartbeat of the game,” said Hashim Kamau, Member of the County Assembly for Kinyago California Ward, during the groundbreaking at Austin Grounds. “Football is more than a game; it’s hope.”

Area Chief Angela Nzioka attended alongside local youth as the project kicked off.

The renovations will upgrade informal settlements’ fields and expand access to safe sports infrastructure in disadvantaged communities where such facilities are scarce and structured engagement opportunities are limited.

TECNO becomes the first mobile-device company to finance African grassroots sports infrastructure at this scale, signaling a shift toward community-level investment in talent development rather than a sole focus on tournament venues.

For the second year running, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya has renewed its Ksh. 1 million sponsorship for the 2025 Inter-Counties Golf Series to be hosted at Thika Greens Golf Resort.

The series, which brings together amateur golfers from across Kenya’s counties, tees off on 30 August 2025 with over 200 golfers expected to compete, network and battle for bragging rights.

This will be followed by a second round on 20 September, with the final being held on 25 October 2025.

Speaking at the announcement, Fredrick Okello, Head of Executive Banking at Co-operative Bank, said: “Last year, we had the honour of being the Title Sponsor of the TGGR Inter-Counties Golf Series, and it was nothing short of amazing. We saw firsthand how powerful this platform is — not just for golf, but for building meaningful, lasting connections.”

He added: “The Inter-Counties Golf Series is a natural extension of our Captains’ Club experience — and we look forward to deeper engagement this season. We are excited to use this year’s series not only for great golf, but also to host conversations around investment opportunities, and build bridges between clients, counties, and commerce.”

The Bank’s sponsorship will go toward the organization of the tournament, player support, and enhancing the overall experience for both participants and spectators.

The series, established in 2019, has become a vital space for county-level amateur golfers to shine, while also boosting tourism and strengthening ties within local communities.

“We are proud to have Co-operative Bank once again as the Title Sponsor of the Inter-Counties Golf Series,” said Charles Kibiru, CEO of Thika Greens Golf Resort. “This year’s ‘Captains’ Club Network Edition’ theme is perfectly aligned with our shared commitment to leadership, community, and the growth of golf across counties.”

This year’s edition promises to be the biggest edition yet, bringing together passionate golfers, influential leaders, and vibrant county representation for a tournament that celebrates sport and strategy in equal measure.

“To all the teams preparing to represent their regions — from Mount Kenya, Eastern, and Happy Valley, to Great Rift, Western, Nyanza, and all the counties — we want you to know: we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re planning an unforgettable tournament for you,” concluded Okello.

Co-op Bank has a strong track record of supporting sports initiatives across the country as part of its broader focus on community investment and national development.

More than 1,000 runners took part in the ‘Run for Seniors’ charity race organized by Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) to raise funds in support of monthly food baskets and essential healthcare services for over 1,000 elderly individuals in Isiolo and Kakamega Counties.

The event featured three race distances — 5km, 10km, and 15km — designed to accommodate all fitness levels. It attracted a wide mix of participants, all united by one cause, to restore dignity and care for Kenya’s elderly.

Mama Ibado Charity Director, Hon. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, who flagged off the race at Karura Forest, Nairobi, said the event was a powerful reminder of the value of elders in society.

“At Mama Ibado Charity, we believe that ageing should come with comfort, not neglect, with community not loneliness, and with dignity not dependency. That is why we are here, not just to run but to raise awareness and resources for our seniors who have walked life’s marathon long before us,” said Mama Ibado Charity Director, Hon. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim.

Lightening the moment with humour, Justice Ibrahim remarked, “Whoever decided this was a ‘fun run’ clearly did not check with my knees! But here I am, dressed in running shoes and optimism, ready to prove that even judges can break a sweat for a good cause.”

“And if you see me walking somewhere around the 5Km mark…don’t judge me…I’m a senior judge, and I’m just pacing myself with dignity.”

MIC President, Mr. Ahmed Jibril, applauded Kenyans from all walks of life for a growing engagement in championing senior welfare.

 “I thank all the runners, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for showing up. Your presence here today is a powerful gesture of solidarity and empathy. You are not just running, you are carrying forward Mama Ibado’s legacy with every stride,” sad Jibril.

748 Air Services Managing Director, Mr. Moses Mwangi, said the initiative has raised Ksh. 11 million in cash and in kind.

“We are very grateful for this inaugural event. We exceeded expectations,” said Mwangi.

According to Mwangi, the initiative will go a long way in elevating awareness of senior citizens, a demographic that he said seems to have been ignored.

“We cannot ignore our seniors, we have to walk with them and ensure they are not ignored and live a dignified life by making sure they have basics like food and healthcare and accommodation,” he said.

Hass Petroleum Chairman, Abdinasir Ali Hassan, reaffirmed the company’s long-term partnership with Mama Ibado Charity, highlighting its contribution to healthcare support for the elderly. The collaboration has enabled the recruitment of many beneficiaries into the Social Health Insurance Fund, ensuring they access critical medical services at no cost.

“This is not just access to healthcare, it is access to peace of mind. We believe this kind of life-changing impact rooted in the community is exactly what corporate responsibility should look like,” said Hassan.

The inaugural PGK Equator Tour kicked off in spectacular fashion at Ruiru Sports Club, with Team Visa’s Daniel Nduva clinching the championship title after a thrilling 72-hole showdown.

Held from July 3rd to 6th, 2025, the tournament showcased Kenya’s finest professional golfers and emerging talents in a display of world-class competition.

The event, played over four days, saw a field of top professionals and one standout amateur, junior Manji Juniad from Sigona Golf Club, compete for glory. After the first 36 holes, the field was narrowed to 20 professionals and Juniad, who defied expectations with a stellar performance.

The final rounds featured a gripping duel between Daniel Nduva, Njoroge Kibugu, and David Wakhu, each demonstrating exceptional skill and composure under pressure.

Nduva ultimately secured victory with a remarkable score of -18, edging out Wakhu (-16) and Kibugu (-15). Meanwhile, 16-year-old Manji Juniad turned heads by finishing 9th overall (-4), a remarkable feat for the young amateur.

Final Standings

The 2025 Equator Tour, comprising 11 events across premier venues, culminates in a grand finale at Muthaiga Golf Club in February 2026.

The tour offers local players a platform to:

• Earn critical ranking points for the Kenya Open 2026.
• Pursue Olympic qualification for the 2028 Games.
• Gain national exposure and competitive experience.

In the Corporate League, Team Visa took an early lead, bolstered by Nduva’s win and Mike Kisia’s top-ten finish. The league features Kenyan blue-chip companies, including NCBA, Visa, Safaricom, Britam, Kenya Airways, and EABL, who have been instrumental in supporting the tour.

Safaricom Golf Captain Eric Mugo reflected on his team’s performance:

“Our players gave their all, with Samuel Chege Njoroge making the final cut. We remain fully committed to our team and are already preparing for the next leg at Limuru Country Club from July 24th to 27th.”

PGK Chairman C. J. Wangai lauded the competitors:

“The level of play and professionalism at this inaugural event has set a new standard for Kenyan golf. I am confident our players will continue to excel, both in the upcoming tour legs and on the international stage. We are witnessing the rise of a new generation of champions.”

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