NAIROBI, Kenya July 27 – A head of the 2016 National Sevens Circuit, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has received a major shot in the arm as mobile service provider Safaricom signed a new sponsorship deal to extend their six year partnership.
The new deal will see Safaricom become KRU’s official Communications Partner for all rugby tournaments organised by the union, as well as give cash sponsorship to help fund KRU and its partners host rugby events in various counties throughout the year.
As the official Communications Partner, Safaricom will cater for telecommunications costs incurred by KRU and the National Circuit hosts in organisation of tournaments, as well as provide free Wi-Fi connectivity and a fully kitted media centre at each tournament.
Events set to benefit from the partnership are the six tournaments that make up the National Circuit and the15s tournaments for both men and women.
The sponsorship is in line with Safaricom’s commitment to transforming lives by supporting the identification and nurturing of sporting talent at national and county levels.
“We are excited to renew our working relationship with Safaricom and having them on board as our official Communications Partner will no doubt improve our ability to deliver on the expectations of both the players and fans as we capture and document the continued growth and development of the sport in the country,” KRU Chairman Richard Omwela stated.
On the other hand, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore said, “We appreciate the role KRU is playing in developing rugby in the country, giving young men and women an opportunity to change their lives through sport.”
“We see great value in supporting the identification and nurturing of new talent by working with the rugby union. We also note that through KRU’s efforts Kenya has fielded a team in the Rio Olympics,” Collymore added.
The first tournament in the 2016 Rugby Sevens National Circuit will be the Prinsloo 7s that will be held at the Nakuru Athletics Club on August 6.