SportPesa Launches Kenya National Pool Circuit, Finals Set

In Short

• SportPesa has launched a multimillion SportPesa National Pool Circuit in Kenya.
• The program is being run with Kenyan promoter Cuevolution Plus Africa.
• Grassroots events start September 21, with national finals in Nairobi on January 8–10, 2027.

What Happened

SportPesa has launched the SportPesa National Pool Circuit, a national competition program for pool in Kenya. SportPesa says the circuit is a multimillion investment aimed at turning pool from a mostly casual pastime into a more structured sport with clearer competition pathways.

The circuit will use Black Ball Rules, which is a standard rule set for English pool (a bit like having one rulebook for every venue so results can be compared fairly). SportPesa is partnering with Cuevolution Plus Africa to run the events and manage the talent pipeline.

The schedule starts with a nationwide grassroots phase from September 21 to October 4. Events will run at multiple venues and hubs at the same time, before moving into regional championships. Top regional players will then progress to three circuit events in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa.

The season will end with the SportPesa National Pool Finals in Nairobi from January 8 to 10, 2027. SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said the goal is to create structures that help players compete regularly, gain visibility, and treat sport as an economic activity.

Why It Matters

Sports betting brands in Africa often focus their sponsorship budgets on football, but cue sports can attract loyal local audiences. A structured circuit can also create more predictable event calendars, which helps venues, broadcasters, and content creators plan coverage and monetisation.

Cuevolution Plus Africa says the circuit could support jobs beyond players, including coaches, tournament officials, club operators, technicians, and media teams. If the program sustains participation and prize pools, it could strengthen Kenya’s wider sports business ecosystem around pool.