NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 6 – FKF Premier League side Nairobi United have secured a major financial boost after signing a Sh380 million, three-year sponsorship deal with international betting firm SportyBet.
The deal will see SportyBet become the club’s official shirt sponsor, providing a significant boost to Nairobi United’s ambitions of establishing themselves among the country’s top clubs and securing a return to continental football.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Nairobi, club CEO Nelson Odaya said the partnership had come at a crucial time as the team targets qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.
“This sponsorship is timely. It will steer our path to returning to the continental stage, this time playing in the big one, the Champions League. I thank SportyBet for associating with us and believing in our journey. We can only promise them success. I urge our fans to give them the necessary support,” Odaya said.
SportyBet Kenya Country Manager Dianne Maina expressed her delight at the partnership, saying the company was proud to associate with a club that represents the capital city and boasts a history of winning silverware.
“We are grateful to walk this journey with a team that has won medals before. We believe our coming on board will reignite the much-needed success this season and help the club go ahead and win trophies,” Maina said.
The ceremony was graced by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who also serves as the club’s patron.
Sakaja challenged the team to set its sights on nothing short of the FKF Premier League title this season, saying the sponsorship provided an opportunity to achieve a major milestone since the club’s establishment in 2018.
“Our aim is to win the league this season. It will be our greatest achievement since the inception of the club in 2018. I am so proud of how far we have come. Getting a sponsor to give us this huge amount of money is not easy, and we appreciate SportyBet for partnering with us. Now it is up to us as a team to deliver results,” Sakaja said.
The sponsorship comes at a challenging time for Nairobi United, who are yet to register a win after five rounds of league action.
They face defending champions Gor Mahia in their next assignment on Sunday, with the match scheduled to take place at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga.
The Naibois, as they are fondly known, have enjoyed an unbeaten record against Gor Mahia, winning twice and drawing once in the three meetings between the two sides.
Team captain Ovella Ochieng has appealed to supporters to remain patient as the players work towards turning around their fortunes.
“I know we have not started well this season, but I am calling for patience. The results will come. I appreciate our new sponsors, SportyBet. Their coming on board is a big motivation to the team,” Ochieng said.
Nairobi United reached the group stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup and also lifted the FKF Cup in 2025 after defeating Gor Mahia in the final.
The unveiling ceremony was also attended by several Kenyan football legends, including former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech, former national team captain Musa Otieno, ex-Tusker player Edward Karanja and Sammy Shollei, among others.
