G4D and MKO players treated with a Safari experience at the Nairobi National Park. the Magical Kenya Open tournament will be held at Muthaiga Golf Club from 22nd-25th February 2024.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The Magical Kenya Open (MKO) part of the DP world tour and Golf for Disability (G4D) circuit players and teams have been treated with a Safari experience in the iconic Nairobi National Park by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) ahead of Magical Kenya Open which kicks off tomorrow, 22^nd -25^th February.

KTB seeks to position Kenya for both sports tourism and leisure with the excursion being part of a strategy to leverage international events hosted in Kenya and the appeal of the sports personalities with a global appeal.

KTB Ag CEO John Chirchir says that the park excursion provided a unique opportunity for the players to experience the incredible wildlife and nature that Kenya has to offer beyond the greens. “We are glad to host the Magical Kenya Open yet again in Nairobi. Experiential tours like these offer us an opportunity to showcase Magical Kenya’s diverse attractions,” Chirchir noted.

The CEO noted that Nairobi is fast becoming a magnet for international golf and sporting events such as the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) setting the capital at par with the world’s best.

“Nairobi offers a winning combination of world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural attractions, and sporting facilities that make it perfect for hosting global tournaments like the Magical Kenya Open. Additionally, we have golf courses in other parts of Kenya that attract global events such as the Magical Kenya Ladies Open hosted recently at the PGA Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge,” he said.

He added that last year’s recognition of Nairobi by Lonely Planet puts Nairobi firmly in the spotlight and leveraging opportunities like the Magical Kenya Open was integral in showcasing Kenya’s tourism credentials to the world.

On the golf tournament, Chirchir stated Kenya was privileged to host a tournament of such stature given its huge global viewership. “With broadcasts reaching over 490 million homes in more than 150 countries, the Magical Kenya Open provides exceptional exposure for our beautiful country.  We are proud that the competition will be held at the Muthaiga Golf Club for the third straight time, marking the fifth staging of a full European Tour event in Kenya since it was added to the elite series in 2019,” he commented.

Australian G4D golfer Lachlan Wood expressed delight at the game drive which he noted opened him up to the magical side of Kenya beyond the greens. ” The game drive at the Nairobi National Park was a perfect way to enjoy Kenya. I enjoyed the fantastic course, and this was a chance to relax and experience Safari wildlife in their natural habitat. I love the weather here and the people are very welcoming. He spoke.

The Magical Kenya Open – the biggest men’s pro golf event in Eastern and Central Africa – will be held at the Muthaiga Club Nairobi from the 21st to the 25th of February 2023.

So far, 144 golfers will be taking part in the 2024 Magical Kenya Open, which is part of the DP World Tour. The competition also featured the first Golf for the Disabled Tournament with England’s Kipp Popert clinching victory.

Safaricom PLC Tribe Lead Segments, Flavia Othim hands over a dummy cheque of Ksh.6,200,000 to Kenya Magical Open Commercial Director, Ronald K Meru during the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Safaricom has come on board as the official technology partner for the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) by sponsoring the event to the tune of KES. 6.2 million.

As the official technology partner, Safaricom will provide internet connectivity through the provision of a Cell on Wheels (COW) on the ground to support the global streaming of the event. The company will also provide scoring devices and airtime for communication support.

“We are delighted once more to be the technology partner for this year’s Magical Kenya Open. Our continued partnership with MKO has enabled us to support the game for the last nine years. As a purpose-led organization, we remain committed to supporting sports because it is transforming the lives of millions of Kenyans,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, of Safaricom.

The tournament scheduled for the 22^nd to 25^th February 2024 is committed to promoting national development through sports tourism, fostering talent and enterprise. This year the competition will feature The Golf for Disabled (G4D) which is currently underway at Muthaiga Golf Club, where the golf tournament is being held.

“Once again Safaricom has come on board to support us in putting on a world-class tournament. Safaricom has enabled us to ensure this event is viewed on the global stage by providing reliable internet connectivity, thereby boosting the live streaming of the event to international and local fans. This is made possible by Safaricom’s support, so we urge everyone to tune in wherever you are,” said Patrick Obath, Tournament Director, Magical Kenya Open.

Besides the Kenya Open, Safaricom also sponsored the Magical Kenya Ladies golf tournaments held earlier this month in Vipingo Ridge where Shannon Tan became the first player from Singapore to win a Ladies European Tour at the tourney.

The telco has been supporting sports as one of its main passion points in transforming lives since its formation.