NAIROBI, Kenya– Organizers of the Mara Sports Festival in Nairobi are leveraging corporate sponsorships and equipment donations to nurture Kenya’s upcoming sports talent while injecting new funds into the local sports economy.
The festival, set for December 6–11 at Ulinzi Sports Complex and Nyayo Stadium, is expected to draw roughly 15,000 young athletes across 19 sporting disciplines.
A total of Sh7 million worth of sports gear will be handed out to participating schools and local communities, with each institution set to receive an average of about Sh50,000.
“This is more than a tournament. It’s about inspiring the next generation, giving them confidence, unity, and a love for sport that will last a lifetime,” said Chandresh Sagar, Founder and CEO of Peak Target, the firm organizing the initiative.
“The whole idea is to make sports accessible. It should not be a luxury; it should be a commodity that every child, regardless of background, can embrace.”
The festival aims to frame sports as a viable investment avenue, with organizers pursuing collaborations with corporates, sports federations, and international scouts.
Sagar added that the event could serve as a talent pipeline for scholarships and professional opportunities, offering sponsors brand exposure and engagement with a youthful, dynamic audience.
Industry observers note that despite Kenya’s global athletics success, the sports sector remains largely underdeveloped.
By institutionalizing youth competitions and enhancing grassroots infrastructure, initiatives like the Mara Sports Festival could grow the sector’s value chain from equipment provision and sponsorships to training academies and professional leagues.
The event has already seen significant interest, with registration set to close on September 30. Organizers expect over 35,000 applications, signaling growing enthusiasm for structured youth sports programs nationwide.
By combining competition, development, and strategic partnerships, the Mara Sports Festival seeks not only to showcase talent but also to catalyze long-term investment in Kenya’s sporting future.