Kenyan volleyball has received a significant financial boost after sports betting firm betPawa unveiled a Ksh.17.3 million sponsorship package for the 2026/27 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League, a deal expected to improve player welfare while raising the competitiveness of the country’s premier volleyball competition.

The sponsorship introduces betPawa’s innovative Locker Room Bonus programme, a performance-based incentive that rewards success on the court. Under the initiative, every registered player and technical official from a winning team will receive Ksh. 4,000 directly through mobile money after each league victory, ensuring athletes and coaching staff enjoy immediate financial rewards for their performances.

The bonus scheme is expected to benefit 494 registered players and technical officials competing in both the men’s and women’s leagues. In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, betPawa confirmed that men’s and women’s teams will receive identical payments, reinforcing the company’s commitment to gender equality in sports.

The sponsorship package has been structured to support different aspects of the competition. The largest allocation, Ksh. 13.63 million, has been set aside for the Locker Room Bonus programme, while Ksh. 2.73 million will go towards supporting the Kenya Volleyball Federation’s operations. An additional Ksh. 1 million has been earmarked as prize money for the 2025/26 league finals, providing further incentives for clubs competing for top honours.

Speaking during the unveiling, betPawa Kenya Country Manager Crispus Mogere said the partnership goes beyond sponsorship, describing it as an investment in the growth and future of volleyball in Kenya.

According to Mogere, rewarding players after every victory is designed to inspire better performances, encourage professionalism and create more opportunities for athletes and technical staff across the country.

Kenya Volleyball Federation President Charles Nyaberi welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely support for a federation that has been facing financial constraints.

“I sincerely thank betPawa for coming on board at a time when we are going through financial difficulties. This partnership has come at the right time for Kenyan volleyball,” Nyaberi said.

He added that rewarding players for every league victory would encourage clubs to work harder in training and improve the overall standard of competition, ultimately strengthening Kenya’s national teams, Wafalme Stars and Malkia Strikers.