Carrefour Kenya Serves Up Community Impact with Inaugural Open Padel Tournament

By Staff Reporter

Nairobi, June 2, 2026 —

 Carrefour Kenya has announced the launch of its inaugural Carrefour Open Padel Tournament, a major sporting event aimed at promoting youth empowerment, community engagement, and the growing popularity of padel in Kenya.

The four-day tournament, organized in partnership with Networks Padel Village and hosted at Village Market from June 4 to June 7, is expected to attract more than 250 athletes competing across six divisions: Top, Advanced, Mixed, High Intermediate, Intermediate, and Open. Participants will battle for a share of a KES 700,000 cash prize pool in what organizers describe as a landmark event for the sport in the country.

Beyond the competition, the tournament reflects Carrefour Kenya’s broader commitment to social impact and community development. 

The event will feature interactive fan zones and community-centered activities designed to introduce more Kenyans to padel while encouraging healthy lifestyles and active participation in sports.

In a significant move to nurture young talent, Carrefour will host a special youth community tournament on June 3, bringing together 100 children from Gacharage Junior Secondary and Primary School. The initiative will provide participants with an opportunity to experience the sport through guided coaching sessions and practical training.

The top three performers from the youth tournament will earn a one-year mentorship programme under the guidance of Networks Padel Village coaches, giving them access to structured training and development opportunities.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Christophe Orcet, Regional Director for East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasized the transformative role of sports in society.

“At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in the power of sport to bring communities together, inspire healthier lifestyles and create meaningful opportunities for the youth. This initiative reflects Carrefour Kenya’s commitment to the communities it serves by widening access to sport and supporting youth development. Together, the youth tournament and mentorship programme are designed to create a lasting positive impact across Kenya,” he said.

The tournament also marks a significant milestone in the development of padel, one of the world's fastest-growing sports, within the Kenyan sporting landscape.

Hamed Ehsani, Managing Director of Village Market, said the event would help expand the sport's reach while creating opportunities for greater participation.

“The Carrefour Open marks a significant step in the growth of padel in Kenya. This partnership allows us to welcome more players, families, and young people to the sport while building a strong foundation for its long-term development in the country,” Ehsani noted.

As interest in padel continues to rise globally, the Carrefour Open is expected to play an important role in popularizing the sport locally, while creating pathways for young athletes to access mentorship, training, and competitive opportunities.

With competition, community engagement, and youth development at its core, the tournament highlights how corporate partnerships can contribute to both sporting excellence and social progress.

Registration for the Carrefour Open remains open, with organizers encouraging players and enthusiasts to take part in what promises to be a memorable celebration of sport and community.