Kenyan gaming firm Betika has announced a Sh5 million ($32,000) sponsorship for the upcoming Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, giving the regional golf series a major financial and visibility lift ahead of two back-to-back tournaments in November.
Vetlab and Limuru to host double header
The 7th and 8th legs of the Sunshine Development Tour, dubbed the Betika Masters, will be held over consecutive weekends — the first at Vetlab Sports Club from 2–4 November, followed by Limuru Country Club from 9–11 November.
The two events, each carrying a Sh2 million ($12,800) prize purse, are expected to draw over 100 golfers from across East Africa and beyond. Players will compete over 54 holes, with a cut to the top 30 and ties after the second round. Crucially, both tournaments carry Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points — vital for progression into higher global circuits such as the Sunshine Tour and Big Easy Tour in South Africa.
Betika expands golf investment
Speaking during the sponsorship presentation, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said the company’s partnership reflects its long-term commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening sports structures in Kenya.
“Our focus in the sport previously has been on players, and we are currently sponsoring John Lejirma and Michael Karanga,” Mwiti said.
“Seeing their progress and the impact on their rankings inspired us to support the pathway itself. We believe in unlocking potential at all levels and creating a legacy of opportunity and excellence.”
Both Lejirma and Karanga are among Kenya’s top golfers, having previously been backed by Betika during the 2024 Magical Kenya Open.
Industry and organisers welcome move
Peter Gacheru, CEO of IMG Kenya, which manages the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, hailed the partnership as a boost for regional golf.
“We are excited to have Betika on board for the Vetlab and Limuru editions. They’ve been active in the golf space, sponsoring individuals, but now they’re giving more players access to world-ranking tournaments here at home,” Gacheru said.
He added that the tour allows elite amateurs and professionals to earn ranking points without the cost of travelling abroad, a crucial development for golfers from emerging markets.
Rising stars shine on home soil
Earlier this month, Lejirma claimed victory at the sixth leg of the tour at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club after a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Njoroge Kibugu, cementing his place as one of Kenya’s rising golf stars.
Lejirma’s success has been viewed as proof that structured local tournaments can produce world-class talent when backed by sustained sponsorship and investment.
Betting firms embrace sports development
The sponsorship marks another step in Betika’s broader drive to reposition itself as a brand supporting community and sporting growth beyond football. The company is among Kenya’s most visible gaming operators — often featured alongside other licensed betting sites in Kenya that contribute to youth programmes and local sports initiatives through regulated frameworks.
With golf’s growing popularity and Kenya hosting more international-level tournaments, the Betika Masters are expected to enhance both competitive standards and player visibility across the East African region.
