SportPesa's CEO Ronald Karauri unveils innovative rewards for Kenyan athletes

SportPesa, a leading gaming brand spearheaded by Kenyan tycoon Ronald Karauri, has launched the “Tujiamini” initiative, signaling a substantial commitment to fostering youth talent and propelling sports development across Kenya.

Positioning SportPesa as a key player in the nation’s gaming sector, this initiative represents a significant stride toward contributing to Kenya’s comprehensive growth and prosperity.

“Tujiamini,” meaning “Let’s believe in ourselves,” is a multifaceted campaign designed by SportPesa to identify, develop, support, and reward promising sports teams and individuals nationwide. This move reflects SportPesa’s dedication to creating a thriving sports ecosystem in Kenya, extending beyond its traditional business focus to positively impact the nation’s youth.

SportPesa’s CEO Ronald Karauri unveils innovative rewards for Kenyan athletes

During a ceremonial event in Nairobi to launch the initiative, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba hailed SportPesa’s endeavor as a historic milestone in Kenya’s sports landscape. He emphasized the initiative’s potential to empower young sportsmen and women, providing them with opportunities to monetize their talents and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, speaking at the unveiling ceremony, expressed optimism about the initiative’s far-reaching impact. Karauri outlined a comprehensive reward system across four categories, ranging from Gold rewards of Ksh500,000 ($3,433) to Cheza Dimba awards of Ksh250,000 ($1,716) for the best grassroots football teams. He underscored SportPesa’s commitment to uplifting Kenyan youths through tangible incentives that recognize and celebrate their sporting achievements.

SportPesa’s global gaming dominance under Karauri’s visionary leadership

Under Karauri’s leadership, SportPesa, originally launched under the Pevans East Africa umbrella, has evolved into a global gaming powerhouse. With a workforce exceeding 500 employees and a presence in multiple countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Italy, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, SportPesa has become a dominant force in the gaming industry. This latest initiative reflects SportPesa’s unwavering dedication to fostering talent and driving positive change within Kenya’s sports community.

In 2023, SportPesa demonstrated its ongoing commitment to Kenyan rugby by injecting substantial financial support into the national team, Kenya Sevens (Shujaa). The company sponsored the 2023 National Sevens Circuit with Ksh15 million ($103,000) and the 2023/2024 Kenya Sevens season with an additional Ksh22 million ($151,000), reaffirming its investment in the development of sports at both grassroots and professional levels