The Sports Stadia Management Board has awarded Safaricom the naming rights for the main stadium and indoor arena at the Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani.
The two year deal worth Sh55 million will change its name to ‘Safaricom Stadium Kasarani – Home of Heroes’ along with the ‘Safaricom Indoor Arena.’
The 60,000 seat stadium was opened in 1987 and named after then President Daniel arap Moi. It will be the first major facility named after the former president to have its name changed.
“We put out a tender in early September and ten companies showed interest but the board of SSMB chose Safaricom as it showed the best potential and track record,” said Sports Stadia management Board PR officer Raki Asman yesterday.
“This is a growing trend which we have seen in South Africa and we have decided to follow. However if any company want to use the stadium, they must still talk to us and draw up a contract. They can’t go to Safaricom,” added Asman.
Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore commented, “Safaricom has since inception played a significant role in the development of sports in Kenya. Through this partnership, our aim is to help raise the country’s competitive edge as Kenya bids to host major continental and international sports tournaments.”
The Safaricom branded complex will be unveiled officially next week by Sports Secretary Hassan Wario and other senior stakeholders.
The event will showcase upgraded dressing rooms and other improvements at the stadium.
Other corporates may now take up similar partnerships as part of SSMB’s strategy to position Kenya as an international sports host.
In 2009 Coca Cola and Sports Stadia management signed a Sh118 million deal for the naming rights of the Nyayo stadium for three years .
Coca Cola were to enjoy exclusive branding of the stadium, indoor arena, handball court and aquatic centre.
The deal was cancelled a few months later when Sports minister Prof Helen Sambili claimed that it was negotiated behind her back. The minister directed that the stadium reverts to its original name of Nyayo National Stadium.
Coca Cola pulled out of the deal but reaffirmed its commitment to the development of sports in Kenya. It supports the annual Copa Coca-Cola soccer youth soccer tournament and other sporting activities.
By WILLIAM NJUGUNA, The Star
