By TEDDY MULEI
Athletics Kenya (AK) has secured a significant boost for the 2025 "Road to Tokyo" campaign, courtesy of a Sh15 million sponsorship deal from Betika.
The deal aims to enhance preparations for the 2025 Tokyo World Championships and will support key events such as the remaining legs of the cross country series, national cross country championships, and track and field meets.
The AK cross country series, which has already thrilled Machakos, Kapsokwony and Iten, heads to Bomet this Saturday, before moving to Ol Kalou (December 14) and Kisii (January 4, 2025).
The national Cross Country champions are set for February 8, 2025 with the National Championship set for June 26-28, 2025.
The sponsorship will ensure seamless execution of these events and inject fresh energy into the national athletics calendar.
Speaking at the partnership launch on Monday at Eka Hotel, Betika CEO Mutua Mutava emphasised the company’s dedication to nurturing athletics.
“As Betika, we are proud to be part of the 'Road to Tokyo' campaign. This sponsorship will provide athletes with the resources they need to excel at the 2025 World Championships,” said Mutava.
He added, “Kenya’s dominance in athletics globally is unmatched, and we are committed to playing our part in its growth. We look forward to a successful 2025 season.”
He reiterated Betika’s commitment in growing athletics in the country.
“This partnership shows our commitment to growing athletics in Kenya and growing the sport in the country. Kenya’s biggest talent is in athletics as evident in our performance globally. We look forward to a successful 2025 season,” Mutava said.
AK marketing director Abraham Mutai revealed how the funds will be distributed.
He said Sh5 million will go towards concluding the cross country series as well as for the national championships, while Sh10 million will serve as prize money for track and field events.
“From the Sh15 million from Betika, Sh5 million will be used in the conclusion of the cross country series and also for the national championship. Sh10 million will be used as prize money for track and field events,” Mutai noted.
Additionally, part of the cross country allocation will increase prize money for the national cross country championship winners, who will now take home Sh150,000.
“This increase will undoubtedly attract more athletes to the national cross country championships. It’s a game changer for the sport,” said Mutai.
AK president Jack Tuwei expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, which he termed a lifeline for the federation's ambitious plans.
“We thank Betika for coming on board when we needed it most. Their commitment to supporting the 'Road to Tokyo 2025' shows their belief in Kenyan athletics,” Tuwei said.
To ensure accountability, Tuwei added that the federation would conduct a thorough audit of the funds and present the findings to the sponsor.
“At the end of the season we will sit down as a federation and audit the money allocated to us and present it to the sponsors,” Tuwei noted.
Former World marathon record holder Patrick Makau urged other corporates to follow suite in supporting athlete development.
"I urge other corporates to follow the example Betika has set and support our athletes,” he said.
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