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The Kenya Rugby Union has expressed fears that the 50 per cent taxation imposed on betting firms by the Kenyan government could have a negative impact on sports sponsorships in the country.
Kenya Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Ronald Bukusi in a statement to the media argued that sponsorships enables them and other sports to develop and implement programs while remaining accountable to its stakeholders .
KRU entered into a sponsorship deal with Kenya's leading sports betting firm, SportPesa totaling Sh600 million for five years which makes the union feel they could lose the sponsorship if the directive by Finance Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich earlier this month is executed.
“Rugby is the fastest growing team sport in the country, a feat that could not have been achieved without the implementation of these programs. We have witnessed players and teams from areas and schools previously viewed as non-traditional rugby playing zones taking up the sport and even breaking into the national squads and winning national titles,” Bukusi was quoted by the Star Newspaper.
He further said the increased sponsorship of the game has led to increased opportunities within the sport including coaches, physiotherapists, conditioning coaches, analysts, kit suppliers, food vendors, event managers and kit suppliers.