Newly crowned Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have received a major financial boost ahead of their return to continental football after signing a three-year sponsorship agreement worth Sh30 million with leading paint manufacturer Kansai Plascon Kenya.
The partnership, unveiled during a ceremony at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi's Westlands area, will see the Plascon brand displayed on the sleeves of Gor Mahia's official match jerseys for the next three seasons.
The deal comes at a crucial time for the record Kenyan champions as they prepare for CAF inter-club competitions and continue efforts to strengthen the club's financial sustainability.
Gor Mahia Patron and former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo described the sponsorship as a significant step in the club's transformation into a commercially driven football institution.
"Our vision is to make Gor Mahia the biggest and most successful club in Africa," Owalo said. "We are moving away from dependence on gate collections and building a sustainable corporate model that can support long-term growth."
According to Owalo, the sponsorship will not only support the senior men's team but will also strengthen the club's development structures, including the youth academy and women's team.
"This partnership will provide direct support to Gor Mahia Youth FC and Gor Mahia Queens, helping us build a strong foundation for future success," he said.
Owalo also challenged more companies to invest in Kenyan football, arguing that community clubs play a vital role in nurturing talent and strengthening the national game.
"We need more private sector participation in football because community clubs form the backbone of a strong national team," he added.
Kansai Plascon Kenya Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kota Enami hailed the partnership as a natural fit between two well-established brands.
"This partnership is like two kings coming together," Enami said. "Gor Mahia is more than a football club. It represents passion, resilience and Kenyan pride."
Enami noted that while Kansai Plascon has operated in Kenya for nearly two decades, partnering with one of the country's most popular football clubs offers a unique opportunity to connect with millions of supporters across generations.
He also revealed that the agreement includes performance-based incentives and annual review clauses that could lead to an expanded partnership in the future.
"If things go well, there is room for us to increase our support and grow the relationship further," he said.
Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier welcomed the sponsorship but urged fans to play their part in protecting the club's corporate image.
He warned that fan misconduct and crowd trouble could undermine efforts to attract and retain sponsors.
"Corporate partners expect value and a positive environment. Any form of hooliganism can damage existing relationships and discourage future investors," Rachier said.
The chairman also called for patience with the club's technical bench led by head coach Charles Akonnor, noting that coaches should not be judged solely on short-term results.
As part of its commercial growth strategy, Gor Mahia plans to introduce digital membership registration aimed at converting its vast supporter base into a structured and financially active membership network.
"We want to organise our fan base and create additional revenue streams that will help the club become self-sustaining," Rachier said.
The Sh30 million sponsorship is expected to strengthen Gor Mahia's preparations for the upcoming continental campaign while advancing the club's long-term ambition of becoming one of Africa's leading football institutions.