By David Ndolo
SportPesa has announced a multi-million-shilling investment in a new national pool circuit aimed at turning the game from a recreational pastime into a structured and commercially viable sport.
The SportPesa National Pool Circuit, launched in Nairobi on Thursday, will provide a platform for players to compete at grassroots, regional and national levels while creating opportunities for emerging talent to develop professionally.
The initiative, being implemented in partnership with Kenyan promoters Cuevolution Plus Africa, will operate under the Black Ball Rules format and is expected to bring together pool players from different parts of the country.
The inaugural grassroots phase will run from September 21 to October 4, with competitions taking place simultaneously across various venues and hubs.
The programme will then progress to regional championships before moving to three circuit events in Eldoret, Nakuru and Mombasa.
The season will culminate in the national finals in Nairobi from January 8 to 10, 2027.
SportPesa chief executive Ronald Karauri said the investment was part of the betting firm’s wider strategy of supporting sporting disciplines beyond traditional games.
“Our investment in pool is part of our wider commitment to supporting sports beyond the traditional disciplines and creating structures that allow talent to grow,” Mr Karauri said.
He said Kenya had considerable pool talent that remained largely undiscovered because the sport lacked structures capable of supporting sustained competition and development.
“There is significant talent in Kenya that remains largely undiscovered because the structures around the sport have not kept pace with the passion and participation,” he said.
Mr Karauri said the new circuit would give players an opportunity to compete, sharpen their skills, gain recognition and potentially earn a livelihood from the sport.
Pool is already popular in communities across the country, with players participating in the game in numerous clubs and entertainment venues.
However, the sport has historically lacked a coordinated national competition structure and sustained investment.
The new circuit seeks to bridge that gap by giving players regular competitions and a progression route from grassroots contests to higher levels of national competition.
The investment comes as competitive pool continues to develop into a professional sporting industry internationally.
According to the World Pool Association, more than US$11.4 million (about Sh1.5 billion) in prize money was distributed through WPA-sanctioned events in 2025, highlighting the growing commercial value of cue sports.
Organisers hope to establish a similar ecosystem in Kenya by developing not only players but also the wider pool industry.
The circuit is expected to create opportunities for coaches, tournament officials, club operators, technicians and content creators, among others involved in the sport.
Cuevolution Plus Africa director Collins Tuwei said the partnership would help provide the structure needed to take Kenyan pool to a higher level.
“Talent and passion already exist across the country; what has been missing is a structured platform that can bring that talent together, provide consistent competition and give players something to aspire to,” Mr Tuwei said.
He said the sponsorship would improve the quality and visibility of pool competitions while helping identify new talent from the grassroots.
The regional circuit will move to Eldoret from November 6 to 8, followed by Nakuru from November 20 to 22 and Mombasa from December 4 to 6.
The leading players will then converge in Nairobi for the national finals in January 2027.
SportPesa said the initiative was intended to change the perception of pool in Kenya and position it as a competitive sport capable of creating economic opportunities for players and other professionals.
The company said the investment formed part of its broader multi-sport strategy to support disciplines with the potential to develop sustainable sporting ecosystems in the country.
