Cricket Kenya(CK) launches CKT20 League in Nairobi

By Winnie Atieno 

Cricket Kenya on Wednesday unveiled the CKT20 League in Nairobi, marking the launch of the country’s first international T20 franchise tournament.

The competition will start on November 7, 2025, at the Nairobi Gymkhana Grounds and is sponsored by a five-year agreement with Dubai- and India-based Arena of Sports (AOS). The deal, signed earlier this year, commits USD 300,000 (about KSh 38 million) to the first edition, with annual increments of USD 50,000. By the end of the contract period, the investment will total nearly KSh 255 million.

Speaking during the launch, Arena of Sports(AOS) chairman Chandra Prakash said the tournament is intended to achieve more than sporting success.

“Our investment goes beyond cricket. We want to position Nairobi as an international hub for sport, culture and tourism, and the CKT20 League is a major step in that journey,” he said.

Nairobi County Executive for Talent, Skill Development and Care, Brian Mulama, said the tournament offers Nairobi an opportunity to strengthen its status as a regional sporting hub.

“This tournament is more than a sporting event. It is a platform to build partnerships, nurture talent, and harness the full potential of cricket for Nairobi and Kenya as a whole,” he said.

Former Kenya international Maurice Ouma, who was honoured during the launch receiving 100,000 Kenya shillings as a token of appreciation alongside Martin Suji, Kennedy Obuya, David Obuya, Collins Obuya and Raja Bali, said the recognition was a welcome motivation for former players.

“Being celebrated in this way shows that our contribution to the game is valued, and it gives us hope that the next generation will have even better opportunities through this league ,” he said.

With Gymkhana already undergoing upgrades, anticipation is high that the CKT20 League will not only revive cricket in Kenya but also place the country firmly on the global cricket calendar.