BingwaFest Finals Kick Off in Meru with Ksh 23 Million Prize Money

The 2025/26 Betika BingwaFest national finals have commenced at Kinoru Stadium, bringing together Kenya’s leading grassroots teams and athletes for a week-long multi-sport event culminating on Sunday, April 5, with more than Ksh 23 million in prize money available. This year’s edition showcases 16 football teams (8 men, 8 women), 24 rugby teams (16 men, 8 women), and 32 basketball teams (16 men, 16 women), along with over 200 athletes participating in athletics. Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava conveyed optimism regarding the tournament’s increasing significance, emphasizing BingwaFest as a platform that develops talent and prepares athletes for international competitions. He noted that the event aligns with Olympic principles by providing equal rewards to men and women, while also supporting community welfare through programs like free medical camps. Football matches began on Monday, March 30, with defending champions Leads United securing an impressive 3-0 victory against Machakos Talent Academy. They will encounter tough opposition from teams such as Bandari Youth, Dunga FC, APS Seals, Plantech FC, Al Azizia FC, and TBM Health FC. The women’s competition includes Murang’a Sparks Queens, Macmillan Starlets, Kolwa Falcons, MAS Queens, Iron Ladies Academy, Shabbab Ladies, Black Panther Queens, and Ukunda Vision Starlets. Basketball and rugby competitions will commence on Friday, April 3, coinciding with athletics events, with bib distribution taking place on Thursday, April 2. The athletics spotlight shines on the women’s 10,000m, where world-leading 10km runner Brenda Jepchirchir will face defending champion Maurine Chebor, Daisila Jerono, Christine Njoki, and Sandrafelis Chebet. The men’s race features Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, leading a formidable lineup that includes defending champion Titus Kiprotich, Robert Kiprop, and Mathew Kipkoech. Football and rugby winners, both male and female, will each receive Ksh 1.5 million, with runners-up claiming Ksh 750,000 and third-place finishers Ksh 400,000. In 3×3 basketball, champions will be awarded Ksh 750,000, while second and third-placed teams will secure Ksh 400,000 and Ksh 200,000 respectively. Athletics will distribute over Ksh 9 million in prizes, with the 10,000m race being the most financially rewarding. Gold medalists will earn Ksh 400,000, silver medalists Ksh 350,000, and bronze medalists Ksh 300,000. Beyond the sporting events, Betika, in collaboration with Zuri Health, will organize a free medical camp during the weekend, reinforcing its dedication to community welfare.