NSSF, Lotto, Safaricom boost Soya kitty

Soya founder Paul Tergat (centre) and SJAK president Chris Mbaisi (right) receive a dummy cheque of Sh300,000 from CPF Group MD Hosea Kili at Panafric Hotel, Nairobi on February 17, 2021.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • NSSF's public relations and communications manager, Chris Khisa said that it was a great privilege to once again share a platform with distinguished sportsmen and women
  • Lotto Foundation chief executive officer Joan Mwaura said that coming on board to support Soya for the third consecutive time is a good way to start the year
  • Bungei, the 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m gold medallist said  that the 2021 awards reflects on the continued bravery of our sports men and women despite the global pandemic

The 2021 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya) reviewed a shot in the arm Thursday when three companies boosted its kitty with Sh4 million sponsorship.

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) handed over Sh2 million while Lotto Foundation gave out Sh1.5 million for the 2021 Soya Gala that will take place on January 25 at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega.

Also to hand over their sponsorship cheque of Sh500,000 to Soya Ambassador and Olympian Wilfred Bungei during the ceremony at Sarova Panafric Hotel was Safaricom PLC.

The other sponsors of this year’s gala are Kakamega County Government, Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), CPF Financial Services, Kenya Pipeline and New KCC.

NSSF's public relations and communications manager, Chris Khisa said that it was a great privilege to once again share a platform with distinguished sportsmen and women.

Khisa cashed on the occasion to encourage athletes to save part of their earnings with NSSF which will guarantee them good returns in future.

“Sports is a talent and a God-given gift which is inherent in you. It expires very fast and lack of proper guidance can make one fall fast. That is why there is a need for athletes to save or invest some of their earnings,” said Khisa.

Lotto Foundation chief executive officer Joan Mwaura said that coming on board to support Soya for the third consecutive time is a good way to start the year.

“Our athletes felt the effects of what Covid-19 did in 2020 but 2021 was somewhat a great year,” said Mwaura, adding that though challenging, sportsmen and women performed well moving from a year of resilience to restoration.

“This year calls for celebration as Soya is a grown up turning 18 now,” said Mwaura explaining that sports brings a great sense of patriotism and togetherness from the community level to the global scene.

Speaking on behalf of Soya founder, Paul Tergat, Bungei, the 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m gold medallist said  that the 2021 awards reflects on the continued bravery of our sports men and women despite the global pandemic. 

“As we go down to Kakamega County, SOYA is matching adulthood, in this 18th edition of the awards, with boldness and courage that better days lie ahead for our sportsmen and women,” said Bungei.

Bungei noted that moving from Nairobi to other parts of the country like Mombasa, Naivasha and now Kakamega depicts how Soya has evolved over the years.

Bungei thanked the corporate sponsors who have supported this initiative over the years and continue to do so without hesitation.

Soya panel of selectors chairman, Chris Mbaisi, said that his team will give the country the most deserving winners noting that there were exemplary performances by the athletes in 2021.