Mutahi Kibugu follows his shot during the 2025 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) after teeing off at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

 By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Betika has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyan sports by announcing a KES 8.4 million sponsorship for seven Kenyan golfers competing in the prestigious Magical Kenya Open (MKO), which teed off today at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club.

As part of the sponsorship, Betika Na Community is supporting four pro golfers and three elite amateurs at the event. The pros include Samuel Njoroge, Edwin Mudanyi, Erick Ooko, and Mutahi Kibugu while Michael Karanga, Adel Tawfiq, and John Lejirma make the list for the amateurs.

Each of the seven players is set to receive up to KES 1.2 million in endorsement fees, thanks to a performance-based bonus structure on top of the direct sponsorship for each player.

Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava, speaking about the sponsorship, stated:

“We are committed to supporting local talent and providing Kenyan athletes with opportunities to compete globally. Golf in Kenya has tremendous potential, and we take pride in backing these talented players as they participate in this prestigious tournament.

Their dedication and hard work have earned them a place in this competition, and with the right support, they can make a significant impact internationally. Our commitment to investing in sports across various disciplines remains strong, ensuring that Kenyan sportsmen and women receive the opportunities they rightfully deserve.”

Erick Ooko in action during the 2025 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) after teeing off at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

One of the sponsored players, Michael Karanga, expressed his gratitude for the support:

“This sponsorship is a game-changer for us. Competing at the Magical Kenya Open is a huge opportunity as an elite amateur, and having this kind of support allows us to focus fully on our game. We are ready to give our best and make Kenya proud.”

This marks the second consecutive year that Betika is supporting Kenyan golfers at the Magical Kenya Open. Last year, Betika sponsored six pro golfers and six elite amateurs during the 2024 Magical Kenya Open.

The 2025 Magical Kenya Open, part of the DP World Tour, remains one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments, drawing elite players from across the globe. This year’s edition features 144 professional golfers competing for a prize purse of $2.5 million (approx. KES 320 million).

1. Absa Bank Kenya MD & CEO Abdi Mohamed teeing off at the Muthaiga Golf Club where the bank announced its sponsorship of KES. 60 million to the Magical Kenya Open set to take place from February 20 – 23, 2025. Looking on are (L-R) Magical Kenya Open Tournament Director Patrick Obath, Professional Golfers of Kenya Vice Captain Jeff Kubwa, Absa Bank Kenya Consumer Banking Director Moses Muthui and State Department of Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Twenty young Kenyan golfers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test their skills against some of the best golfers in the world at the Magical Kenya Open 2025, thanks to Absa Bank Kenya. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Dubbed the 2025 Absa ‘Beat the Pro Junior Golfers Challenge’, the select young golfers will have a shoot-out against the professional golfers at hole 13, a par 3 hole, at Muthaiga Golf Club on Saturday.

Registration is open for young golfers aged between 12 to 18 years with a handicap index 9.0. Twenty will be selected with 4 reserves. All the selected juniors will be expected to be at Muthaiga Golf Club all day on Saturday.

The youngsters’ goal will be to hit their ball closer to the hole than the pros, with the pros going first.

“If the junior succeeds, they will not only be the hero of the day but will also win an Absa Junior Account loaded with KES 50,000. Every junior who beats the pro will win the same prize,” said Peter Waweru, Head of Brand and Marketing, Absa Bank Kenya PLC.

The Magical Kenya Open 2025, Presented by Absa, is a premier event in sub-Saharan Africa, part of the DP World Tour, and will take place at the lush, green Muthaiga Golf Course from February 20^th to 23^rd February 2025. The tournament has significantly contributed to establishing Kenya as a global destination for golfing and sports tourism.