The 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) is scheduled to take place from February 19 to 22, 2026.

By Bruno Aero Family Media Sports Desk

Leading online gaming firm SportPesa has made its grand entry into the golfing world after unveiling a 20 million sponsorship boon towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.

The sponsorship will make SportPesa the exclusive gaming and betting partner for the 57th edition of the prestigious Magical Kenya Open which is one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments and a key event on the DP World Tour calendar that attracts elite international golfers, global media coverage and sports tourism opportunities.

Speaking during the announcement ceremony on Thursday 12 February at the Karen Country Club, the host course for the competition, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri reiterated the firm’s commitment in elevating the sporting scene across the country and globally

SportPesa pump 20M as official betting partner of Magical Kenya Open 2026

“This is our grand entry into golf, and we are going to keep doing this for years to come. As SportPesa, we are very proud to partner with this event and it helps us position the country globally as the home of sports.

By supporting the Magical Kenya Open, we are investing in a platform that attracts world-class talent and enhances Kenya’s international reputation as a competitive host for premier sporting events.

We are hoping more Kenyan golfers can participate and we can have a Kenyan winner in the Kenya Open this year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Magical Kenya Open 2026 Commercial Director Ronald Meru welcomed SportPesa as the principal betting sponsor, emphasizing the value they offer by being partners of the event.

SportPesa is synonymous with creating winners, and we are delighted to have them on board as the official betting partner of the Magical Kenya Open.

Their backing is more than just a logo placement. It strengthens our capacity to deliver a truly world-class tournament. Sponsorship of this magnitude allows us to channel resources where they matter most in quality, innovation and the overall experience,” Meru said.

Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath also weighed in on the collaboration, saying:

We welcome SportPesa as the official gaming and betting partner for the Magical Kenya Open 2026. Their support will enrich the tournament experience for players, fans, and stakeholders while reinforcing Kenya’s standing on the global golfing calendar.”

The 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) is set to run from February 19 to 22, 2026.

A world-class roster of 144 elite golfers from more than 25 countries will compete for a share of a staggering Ksh. 348.3 million (approximately USD 5 million) prize purse.

This 57th edition of the DP World Tour event will return to the Karen Country Club in Nairobi for the first time since 2021.

The event promises to be a thrilling affair, with all eyes on defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk from South Africa. After his masterful 2025 victory at Muthaiga, fans will be eager to see if he can defend his title and keep the trophy on African soil once again.

The competing lineup will feature at least 10 professional and amateur Kenyan golfers including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke and Jacob Okello, whose second-place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the best ever by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.

As a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar, the Magical Kenya Open has grown significantly in stature in recent years, becoming a platform for elite competition, investment, collaboration and the promotion of Brand Kenya to global audiences.

The 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) is set to run from February 19 to 22, 2026.

A world-class roster of 144 elite golfers from more than 25 countries will compete for a share of a staggering Ksh. 348.3 million (approximately USD 5 million) prize purse.

This 57th edition of the DP World Tour event will return to the Karen Country Club in Nairobi for the first time since 2021.

The event promises to be a thrilling affair, with all eyes on defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk from South Africa. After his masterful 2025 victory at Muthaiga, fans will be eager to see if he can defend his title and keep the trophy on African soil once again.

The competing lineup will feature at least 10 professional and amateur Kenyan golfers including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke and Jacob Okello, whose second-place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the best ever by a Kenyan in the tournament’s history.

As a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar, the Magical Kenya Open has grown significantly in stature in recent years, becoming a platform for elite competition, investment, collaboration and the promotion of Brand Kenya to global audiences.

The investment in golf comes barely a fortnight after SportPesa announced a Ksh. 120 million multi-sports investment targeting rallying, boxing and rugby.

The gaming giants also have a running Kes. 1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League where it also sponsors Gor Mahia FC, Murang’a SEAL and Shabana FC.

I’m really pleased to see golf in this space. We’ve structured a deal that makes sense for us. We have been active in other areas, and I believe we have all the pieces in place to elevate this event to par.

At SportPesa, we’ve had a busy quarter and we’re committed to ensuring sports in Kenya are run the right way. We hope SportPesa continues to be a force to reckon with,” concluded Jason Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer at SportPesa.

The tournament remains a cornerstone of the DP World Tour’s International Swing, serving as a launchpad for a series of African events including the South African Open and the Joburg Open.