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The sixth edition of the Waziri 1xCup, sponsored by 1xBet, is set to be the largest yet, expanding its reach across Western Kenya and integrating significant community development initiatives.
The Waziri 1xCup, a prominent grassroots football tournament in Kenya, is poised for its largest iteration in 2025, with title sponsor 1xBet significantly boosting its reach and community engagement. The tournament, which began as a local initiative, has grown to encompass football, rugby, and basketball, featuring 56 teams across four counties in Western Kenya: Bungoma (Webuye), Trans Nzoia (Kitale), Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu (Eldoret).
Qualifiers for the tournament are scheduled to begin on Friday, October 18, 2025, in Webuye, Bungoma County, continuing through November. The grand finale is slated for Friday, December 27, 2025, at Pan-Paper Ilala Stadium in Webuye.
Tournament founder Salim Waziri emphasised that the Waziri 1xCup extends beyond athletic competition, focusing on community transformation. The initiative includes youth empowerment projects such as establishing car wash businesses, salons, and grocery stores for participants. Additionally, the tournament incorporates charity work, providing wheelchairs, hygiene kits for girls, and food parcels to needy families.
Elena Zhdanova, a spokesperson for 1xBet, stated that the sponsorship aims to make the tournament a symbol of equal opportunities, unity, and hope for the entire country. This year, all participating men's and women's teams will receive not only uniforms but also boots, ensuring players have the necessary equipment to compete on equal terms.
The substantial sponsorship by 1xBet for the Waziri 1xCup, amounting to KSh 2.5 million, reflects a broader trend of betting companies investing heavily in Kenyan sports. 1xBet also serves as the principal shirt sponsor for Mathare United's men's and women's teams, a deal valued at approximately KES 20.6 million for one year, with an option for renewal. This partnership, unveiled on Thursday, June 12, 2025, is intended to support the club's operational and developmental needs.
While these sponsorships provide crucial financial support to sports organisations, they also fuel public debate about the influence of the betting industry. Analysts suggest that such developments could significantly impact public discourse and policy execution.
The rapid growth of sports betting in Kenya has led to it being recognised as a public health issue, with concerns about addiction, particularly among youth aged 18 to 35. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) projects the regulated betting sector to generate KSh 20 billion in 2025, a figure significantly lower than some media reports that claimed Kenyans spent KSh 766 billion on gambling in 2024.
The Kenyan government has been undertaking reforms in the sports sector, including a review of the Sports Act of 2013. Consultations for the National Sports Policy and Legislation Review concluded on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with stakeholders raising concerns about inconsistent funding, poor infrastructure, and limited athlete development programs. The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, along with the Ministry of Education, are responsible for implementing sports policies in Kenya.
Despite the positive community initiatives, the increasing reliance of local sports on betting firm sponsorships raises questions about long-term sustainability and potential ethical considerations. There is an ongoing debate about striking a balance between the economic benefits of the betting industry and the social welfare of Kenyans, particularly concerning gambling addiction.
The sports fraternity awaits the final report from the Taskforce on National Sports Policy and Legislation Review, which is expected to shape a renewed national sports policy and legal framework. The implementation of these reforms will be crucial in addressing concerns about sports governance, funding, and the impact of commercial partnerships. The continued expansion of tournaments like the Waziri 1xCup will also be closely watched for their impact on grassroots talent development and community welfare.
