Nairobi: Wednesday, 13th March 2024: Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker has today announced its sponsorship towards Team Kenya for the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games slated for 26 July 2024 – 11 August 2024 in Paris, France.
The sponsorship, valued at Sh30 million, was handed over to the National Olympic Committee – Kenya, the body responsible for selection and preparation of the Kenyan Team that will participate in the games. This was during an event held at the Moi International Sports Centre that was graced by Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
While announcing the sponsorship, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti emphasized the significance of the partnership with NOCK:
"At KBL, our commitment to Kenyan sports runs deep, with a rich history of supporting our sportsmen and women various disciplines including athletics, football, golf, rugby, and beyond. We understand the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and communities, and we therefore remain dedicated to fostering talent and promoting sports excellence at all levels. It therefore gives us great joy, to continue our partnership with the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) in supporting our athletes,” said Ocitti.
He added that the sponsorship will go towards supporting Team Kenya in preparations for the event, as well as assist NOC-K meet its logistical requirements. “As we look ahead to Paris 2024, it is imperative that we stand united in support of our athletes. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Kenya Breweries Limited will be sponsoring Team Kenya for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to the tune of Sh30 million. This sponsorship will not only provide crucial financial support for our athletes' preparations but also assist NOC-K meet the heavy logistical requirements associated with this event,” he added.
On his part, CS Ababu Namwamba commended KBL for its continued support of Kenya's sporting endeavors: "KBL has long been an important ally of our nation's athletes, and their generous sponsorship of Team Kenya for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our sporting heritage. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to celebrating the success of our athletes on the world stage."
CS Namwamba further assured Team Kenya of the government's full support, stating, 'I want to assure our athletes that the government stands firmly behind you as you prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Your dedication and hard work represent the essence of Kenyan excellence, and we are committed to providing all the necessary support to ensure your success on the global stage.'
He also called upon more partners to join in supporting Team Kenya, urging, 'I call upon all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors, to come forward and rally behind our athletes. Together, let us harness the collective spirit of our nation to propel Team Kenya to victory and make Kenya proud.”
Paul Tergat, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of corporate sponsors in advancing Kenya's sporting agenda: "KBL's sponsorship of Team Kenya is a testament to their belief in the potential of our athletes and their dedication to supporting our sporting aspirations. With their generous contribution, we can provide our athletes with the necessary resources and support to compete at the highest level and make our nation proud."
Tergat further assured the country of NOC-K’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for Team Kenya, emphasizing the importance of integrity and meritocracy in representing the nation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “As NOC-K, we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency in the selection process for Team Kenya. Integrity and meritocracy will guide our decisions as we strive to assemble a team that will make our nation proud at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” he added.
Through the sponsorship, KBL will leverage its Kenya Milele campaign to amplify the achievements of Kenyan athletes and inspire national pride. Through a series of initiatives under the campaign, including athlete mentorship initiatives, and promotional events, KBL aims to galvanize support for Team Kenya and foster a sense of unity and patriotism across the nation.
Kenya aims to field a contingent of between 80 and 90 athletes for the Paris Olympics, with the goal of surpassing the 10 medals secured at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Notably, two team sports have already secured qualification: the national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, and the Kenya Sevens rugby team. Additionally, fencer Alexandra Ndolo has secured her spot.
Expectations are also high for Olympic Marathon defending champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, who are expected to be among the final selections for Team Kenya in the marathon category.