During the State House reception honoring champions Gor Mahia, SportPesa CEO Captain Ronald Karauri delivered a detailed address focusing on youth empowerment, football development, and Kenya’s growing sporting economy.
He praised the government’s role in supporting sports and emphasized how recognition transforms young athletes’ motivation across the country.
On youth inspiration and sports development
Karauri stressed that sports sponsorship has a deeper social impact beyond competition and branding.
“The millions of young people who are playing any type of sport get very inspired when they know they’ll get recognized for their talent and hard work. I want to thank you very much for that, Your Excellency.”
He added that structured investment in sports creates opportunity pipelines for future national talent.
On Gor Mahia’s legacy and success
Karauri highlighted Gor Mahia’s dominance and history in Kenyan football, describing the club as a continental brand.
“When we come to Gor Mahia, Your Excellency, this is a very iconic team with a very rich history.”
“They have the most title wins in Kenya, standing at 22. They’ve had success internationally when it comes to Africa and they’ve now qualified again to represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League.”
He further praised the club’s identity and fan culture:
“Everybody knows Jaro Soja and the Bishop. There’s a reason these people are recognized all over the country. They’ve gained fans from all over the country and even globally.”
On SportPesa’s long-term investment in football
Karauri reaffirmed SportPesa’s commitment to developing Kenyan football through long-term sponsorship.
“As SportPesa, we are the title sponsors of the SportPesa League and we have a very long-term sponsorship of 10 years, valued at over 1.1 billion shillings.”
He explained the broader vision behind the investment:
“Our motive is to ensure that we not only support Gor Mahia and the teams we support in the league, but to bring the level of football up in this country. We start at the grassroots and ensure the Premier League is at a very high standard because that is where we pick even our national team.”
On CAF Champions League ambitions
Karauri concluded by pledging support for Gor Mahia’s continental journey:
“This team is representing us at the Champions League. SportPesa will do our best to support them… as they represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League.”
“Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and once again, congratulations, Gor Mahia.”
Government response and broader vision
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya also praised Gor Mahia and emphasized the government’s sports transformation agenda.
“Gor Mahia is an embodiment of skill, talent and resilience.”
“They will not be playing as a club, but representing 55 million Kenyans.”
He further noted that the government is working to expand sports infrastructure and attract more private sector investment to strengthen Kenya’s sports economy.
The State House event underscored a shared commitment between government, sponsors, and football stakeholders to elevate Kenyan football, with Gor Mahia’s latest triumph serving as a symbol of sustained excellence and continental ambition.
