Jean Okech, Head of Marketing, Spirits Portfolio at EABL presents a dummy cheque to Charles Gacheru, Promoter of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.

By Daniella Apiyo and Amanda Damaris

East Africa Breweries Limited’s premium spirits brand, Johnnie Walker, has committed to support the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, taking up title naming rights for this sixth leg of the Tour which will be held at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club between October 13 and 15, 2025. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The sponsorship comes at a time when the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing is gaining strong momentum, attracting golfers from across the continent and beyond and providing them with the chance to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking points. This makes it one of the most important golf platforms ever created for East African players.

Johnnie Walker has a long history of supporting golf, having been part of events such as the Magical Kenya Open, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, and the Johnnie Walker Golf Series.

Speaking while presenting the sponsorship, Jean Okech, Head of Marketing Spirits at EABL, said the brand was proud to back the Tour as it aligns with its wider objectives:

“Johnnie Walker has always found a natural home in golf because the sport attracts a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate craft, resilience, and progress, values that also define our brand. Through this sponsorship, we want to continue creating meaningful spaces where our consumers can interact with our brand, while also opening doors for talent across the region.

Importantly, we are also committed to inclusion and diversity, which is why we are proud to support the participation of women golfers in this Tour. We believe this partnership will inspire more aspiring golfers to take up the sport and encourage regional players to dream bigger.”

Njoroge Kibugu tees off at the Shunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at Ruiru Sports Club.

On his part, Charles Gacheru, Promoter of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, welcomed the sponsorship, saying: “This support from Johnnie Walker is a major boost not just for the Tour but for golf in East Africa. It shows the confidence that a global brand has in our vision to build a pathway for local golfers to reach major events such as the Sunshine Tour and even the Olympics. With Johnnie Walker’s partnership, we are making golf more competitive, more inclusive, and more visible across the continent.”

The Royal Nairobi Golf Club event, taking place from 13th to 15th October 2025, will welcome a field of over 100 golfers from across Africa and beyond.

The tournament will be played over 54 holes, with a cut set for the top 30 and ties after round two. Players will be competing not only for the Two million shillings prize money but also for crucial global ranking points on the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which count towards progression into larger global tournaments.

The Tour, which teed off in March 2025 with the Q-School, has already hosted successful events in Kenya’s Thika, Ruiru, Nyali, and Diani, as well as Rwanda’s Kigali Golf Resort & Villas. It continues to attract growing fields of both male and female, professional and elite amateur golfers from across Africa, making it a unique platform for talent development in the region.

Michael Karanga receives his trophy from KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia after winning the 2025 NCBA Nanyuki Open

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open 2025 concluded in thrilling fashion at the scenic Nanyuki Sports Club, with Michael Karanga capturing the tournament’s first-ever title. The event, which drew 74 top amateurs with a handicap limit of 13.5, delivered on its promise of world-class golf against the backdrop of Mt. Kenya. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Karanga, currently ranked 70th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, showcased his trademark consistency and sharp play to outlast a competitive field. Among the top contenders were John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Ebill Omollo, who pushed the champion all the way in a fiercely contested tournament.

The championship featured a prize purse of Kes 500,000, underscoring the NCBA Nanyuki Open’s growing stature and solidifying its place on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Beyond the competition, the event spotlighted Nanyuki Sports Club’s rich golfing tradition, challenging course, and panoramic views, while also offering fans a weekend of sport, community, and hospitality.

During the prize-giving ceremony, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) announced the four-man national team set to represent the country at the Africa Region IV Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 25th to 29th November 2025.

The team includes:

• John Lejirma (Captain) – Reigning Kenya No. 1, ranked 74th in the WAGR. Winner of seven KAGC titles this season.Michael Karanga – Ranked 70th WAGR, winner of five titles this year including the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship, securing him a spot at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
• Elvis Muigua – Three-time champion this year, currently ranked 418th WAGR.
• Junaid Ayaz Manji – Kenya’s top junior golfer, ranked 822nd WAGR, with two titles in 2025 and captain of the junior team at the All Africa Junior Golf Team Championship.

The same trio of Lejirma, Karanga, and Muigua delivered victory for Kenya in Kigali last year. With Junaid now strengthening the side, confidence is high for a successful title defense under Coach Saleem Haji.

Speaking after the announcement, the KGU Chairman said:

“This team reflects the strength and depth of Kenyan golf at both senior and junior levels. We are confident they will rise to the occasion and bring the trophy back home.”

Karanga, celebrating both his Nanyuki Open victory and his place on the national team, added:

“Winning the inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open is a proud moment. I’m equally honored to represent Kenya once again, and we are determined to make the country proud in Madagascar.”

With the success of the NCBA Nanyuki Open, the Kenya Golf Union and NCBA Group have set a strong foundation for the event to become a permanent fixture on the KAGC calendar, promising even greater competition and opportunities for Kenya’s golfing talent in the years to come.