Big Blow: Kenya Power terminates sponsorship with KPL club Western Stima

The lighting company claimed they could no longer sponsor various clubs due to tough economic times

Players will however receive their June salary without delay

Kenya Premier League club Western Stima has been dealt a blow after Kenya Power and Lighting company announced the termination of its sponsorship for the club effective July.

National league sides Coast Stima and Nairobi Stima will also be affected by the move.

The decision was confirmed by Western Stima Chairman Laban Jobita, who received a letter from the lighting company on Tuesday, June 23.

The company attributed the move to low returns in the past few months due to the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Players were however assured they would receive their June salaries in timely fashion.

Kenyan Digest has since learnt that Western Stima players took a 50% pay cut without notice during the early stages of the pandemic.

Prior to the announcement of the season’s abandonment, Stima were having a fairly average season as they lay seventh on the log on 36 points.

The club is now on a race against time to find another sponsor, with KPLC calling it quits five years after agreeing to sponsor them.

Elsewhere, giants Gor Mahia and their bitter rivals AFC Leopards breathed a sigh of relief after a betting company swooped in to be their new sponsors.

According to reports, Leopards will receive KSh40 million per year while Gor Mahia will receive KSh 55 million per year from the company which is yet to establish a market in Kenya.