Samsung inks 4m deal with KRU

Kenya’s rugby development prospects received a major boost from consumer electronics firm, Samsung Electronics East Africa following the sealing of a Kshs. 4million deal.

In the new partnership covering Kenya Rugby Union’s current season, Samsung Electronics East Africa will take the podium position as the Match officials and Ball boys exclusive sponsors.

Commencing this weekend’s Kenya VS Uganda Test match Elgon Cup tournament, the match officials and ball boys will be turning up for the field assignment donning Samsung kits. Samsung Electronics Business Leader, Robert Ngeru, said that the firm’s sponsorship deal will cover seven key rugby tournaments.

Samsung’s partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union, Ngeru explained, is geared at facilitating the development of Kenya rugby while facilitating the mentorship of young rugby players under the Kenya Rugby Union Ball boys development programme.

“For this reason, the largely unsung heroes of rugby games who include the referees, assistant referees and ball boys will this season be stepping out to the pitch resplendent in Samsung rugby kits,” Ngeru said when they signed the deal with KRU at the RFUEA grounds.

And added: Among other key tournaments slated for this season include the Elgon Cup tournament, Bamburi Rugby Super Series, Ford Pumas Tour, English Counties Tour, National Sevens Circuit, Safaricom Safari Sevens, Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup.

On the local and international front, Samsung Electronics, Radier explained has stepped up its sport sponsorship programmes as a part of a strategic marketing plan.

Samsung is the Official Worldwide Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games and is also Chelsea Football team’s official sponsor.

Over the years, Samsung has been connecting with sports fans the world over by supporting sporting events including the Samsung Diamond League, the Winter Olympic Games, the Asian Games, the World Cyber Games and Samsung Super League (Equestrian) among others.