KGU patron and former President Mwai Kibaki (right) greets Kenya Golf Union (KGU) officials at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By AMANDA DAMARIS

Focused leadership coupled with continued support by all stakeholders have enabled golf to realise tremendous growth in the country, says former President Mwai Kibaki.

As patron of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), the former Head of State noted that the efforts by the golf fraternity have resulted to an increased interest and growth of golf besides boosting the game’s reputation in the country.

In his remarks during the KGU 90^th anniversary celebrations at Muthaiga Golf Club today, the former President noted that the union that was formed in 1928 has effectively played its role in bringing together golf clubs for a common course of promoting the game in the country.

“In the last 90 years, I note with satisfaction, golfing in Kenya has grown tremendously. As a result, the uptake of golf as a sport has recorded remarkable progress. At the same time, professional standards of golfing in Kenya have improved apace and so have golfing facilities,” he said.

The former President added that the resolve by the Union to champion the game of golf have made Kenya a preferred golfing destination globally. This, he maintained was as a result of the Kenyan character of hard work, resilience and sense of patriotism.

Kibaki further urged Kenyans to embrace golfing and use it to promote both good health and brotherhood as it is no longer a sport of the privileged. He challenged those involved to introduce golf in learning institutions.

“I am particularly glad that golf is no longer viewed as a game of the privileged. I urge all of us to encourage the upcoming generations to embrace golfing and use it to promote both good health and brotherhood. To successfully do so, we need to introduce golfing in schools right across Kenya,” the former president noted.

Kibaki hailed the Government for its efforts in making golf a preferred sport of choice to many Kenyans through various initiatives that focus in promoting the game in the country. Citing the Kenya Open Golf Championship held in Muthaiga Golf Club recently, where Kenya hosted over 100 participants drawn from across the globe, where the Government played a key role to make it a success.

The retired President also lauded KGU for establishing golf courses across the country, citing that this will encourage inter-county tournaments that will promote peace and harmonious co-existence among Kenyans.

“I take this opportunity to laud the Kenya Golf Union for establishing golf courses across the country. This move will encourage inter-county tournaments that will promote peace and harmonious co-existence among Kenyans. To that end, I encourage County Governments to work closely with the Union in order to evolve a unified framework for vibrant inter-county golf circuits,” Kibaki said.

The former Head of State also stressed that in modern day sporting has increasingly become a source of income to many people besides promoting good health, teamwork and discipline.

pandora bracelet charms pandora bracelet charms

Lucas Maranga, a member of Limuru Country Club (left) take over the Shields from outgoing chairman Richard Wanjala during the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) AGM held at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Youthful Lucas Maranga a member of Limuru Country Club, is the new Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman.
He takes over from Kitale based Richard Wanjala whose one year term ended over the weekend in a chaotic elections held at Muthaiga Golf Club.

Anthony Murage from Karen Country club was duly nominated as the vice chairman replacing Maranga who was elevated to chair the union.

Other newly nominated officials include Ben Omuodo (Secretary), and Peter Kiguru(Treasurer).

Six Executive officials who were nominated out of a pool of seven members are led by Thika Sport club based Ndiga Kithae who received the highest number of votes, 56.

Other members are vibrant golf columnist Vincent Wang’ombe, George Gathu, Philip Ochola, Njani Ndiritu, and Peter Kimani Ndung’u. Steve Rukwaro did not make the cut.

Addressing jovial members after being declared the new boss, the new chairman thanked the Kenya golfing fraternity and the KGU directors for bestowing their trust on him to take charge of the Union.

He thanked the past chairmen who had served before him for making the sport vibrant and taking it to another level.Further,he noted with pride that he will endeavor to strengthen the working relationship with the Government and ensure Junior golf foundation is enhanced.

Maranga challenged Universities to come on board adding that the levels of golf worldwide was dwindling. He noted that stakeholders must pull in one direction and ensure the sport is accessible by all age groups.

The Union in its endeavor to advance,promote and safeguard the interest of the game proposed to amend clause 13.3 of its constitution where the Executive committee is given mandate to co-opt
any person to fill any vacancy that may occur between the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The committee can also co-opt up to four additional members to serve on the Executive committee until the next AGM.

The new team at a glance:
Chairman- Lucas Maranga
Vice Chairman-Anthony Murage
Honorary Secretary-Ben Omuodo
Honorary Treasurer-Peter Kiguru
Executive committee members(six):
-Ndiga Kithae
-Vincent Wang’ombe
-George Gathu
-Philip Ochola
-Njani Ndiritu
-Peter Kimani Ndung’u pandora charms pandora charms