An agreement worth KES20 million (£133,000/$185,000/€156,000) has been signed which will go towards Kenya's ceremonial kit.

Each member of the Kenyan delegation will also receive KES10,000 (£66/$92/€78) in airtime which they can use when in Japan.

"As part of our passion for sports, we have always been at the forefront of supporting our athletes every time the Olympics Games are held," said Safaricom chief executive Peter Ndegwa, according to Hapa Kenya.

"Whether this is through supporting the Olympic trials, giving incentives to the medal winners or providing support to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya. 

"This year, in addition to ensuring they are well kitted, we'll be providing each team member airtime so that they can keep in touch with their family and friends back home."

Olympic kit has proven to be a headache for Kenya, with a petition launched in February 2020 urging a rethink of a Nike design unveiled for the delayed Tokyo Games.

The honeycomb pattern was described as "tasteless" and "inspired by bees", although it was backed by Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.

At Rio 2016, kit was an issue as several top officials ended up in court following claims that money meant for Kenyan athletes in Brazil had been misused.

Missing kit and tickets being sold at inflated prices were among the allegations made.

"I thank Safaricom for their continued support and investment in sports and in our athletes," said Amina Mohamed, Kenya's cabinet secretary for sport, heritage and culture.

"This is in line with our commitment as a Ministry to partner with the private sector to uplift the quality and standards of the sports industry in the country. 

"We have put in place extensive measures to ensure that the athletes are well prepared for the Games in Tokyo. 

"Despite the pandemic, our collaborative public-private partnership approach has provided much needed protective support to the entire sports ecosystem securing athlete welfare."