MultiChoice in Sh1m boost for Kenya Open kitty

What you need to know:

  • The Barclays Kenya Open Golf championship whose first round is set for Thursday at Muthaiga Golf Club’s par-71 course continues to attract sponsorship from organisations.
  • On Monday, MultiChoice Kenya became the latest to join the growing number of corporate sponsors for the event.
  • Through its DStv brand, MultiChoice announced a Sh1 million sponsorship package for the tournament.

The Barclays Kenya Open Golf championship whose first round is set for Thursday at Muthaiga Golf Club’s par-71 course continues to attract sponsorship from organisations.

On Monday, MultiChoice Kenya became the latest to join the growing number of corporate sponsors for the event.

Through its DStv brand, MultiChoice announced a Sh1 million sponsorship package for the tournament. This is the second year MultiChoice is supporting the event.

Speaking on Monday at Muthaiga Golf Club during the cheque presentation ceremony, MultiChoice Kenya’s corporate communications manager, Philip Wahome, said the sponsorship of this year’s tournament further underlines DStv’s commitment to developing golf and sport in Kenya.

“The money will go towards covering administrative costs incurred by organisers of the week-long event,” he said. “DStv will also be on ground to showcase its mix of premium content through interactive golfing activities and games for both children and adults,” Wahome added.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO GOLF

Wahome reiterated MultiChoice’s long-term commitment to the Kenyan market through investment in local content and talent. “This partnership with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) is a clear indication of our pursuit to support various existing local sports in the country. We have already invested in world-class content and DStv showcases all major golf tournaments around the world,” he added.

KOGL tournament’s publicity and sponsorship director, Kathleen Kihanya, thanked DStv for providing financial support for lovers of the sport around the continent.

“Our seven-year partnership with MultiChoice has helped raise the profile of the tournament and I commend DStv for their continued support to the Kenya Golf Open tournament,” said Kihanya.

KOGL chairman Peter Kanyago said it was sponsors such as MultiChoice that makes the Open more and more popular. He said the stage is set for the start of the tournament on Thursday.

Kanyago also said Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero had offered Sh1 million to any Kenyan pro who wins the tournament and Sh500,000 for top-five finishers while those making the second round cut will be awarded Sh50,000 each.

Kanyago said President Uhuru Kenyatta and retired president Mwai Kibaki will grace Sunday’s closing ceremony.

At the weekend, leading motor vehicle manufacturer and distributor CMC Motors, announced a sponsorship deal for the  Open. It included a Sh2 million and Ford Ranger Wildtrak car valued at Sh6.795 million as special prize for a Hole In One.