KCB Bank Kenya Senior Relationship Manager Millicent Melo follows her tee shot
during the 10 th leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour in Kericho on August 12 th . She won
the staff winner award.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

KCB has supported the Kenya Ladies Open Golf Union Amateur Tournament scheduled for this weekend at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Saturday’s action will see over 100 lady golfers from Nairobi and its environs take on the 18-hole course as KCB continues with its efforts to enhance the sport in the country.

Through the KCB East Africa Golf Tour, the bank has reached over 1, 300 participants and over 600 juniors and ladies who take part in the clinics that run concurrently with the golf series.

KCB Group Director Marketing and Communication Rosalind Gichuru said: “We have always been passionate about women. Through our golf series, we are excited to reach budding lady golfers who have shown dedication and a strong determination to improve their skills. For this reason, we have made a commitment to incorporate ladies-only tournaments in our tour. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club event is the second event we are hosting following the successful Vetlab edition. We will also be hosting another one at Sigona.”

The series has traversed Kakamega, Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties where 10 teams have booked a slot in the upcoming grand finale Pro-Am event slated for November this year at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.

Outside Kenya, Burundi has also held its leg while Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda are still yet to host their tournaments in the 8-month-long series that has so far enhanced the sport giving an opportunity to women and juniors to participate in various tournaments.

Unlike the previous legs, we will not be having teams qualifying for the grand finale on Saturday. However, there will be a ladies’ and juniors’ clinic on Sunday as the bank continues with its efforts to support the next generation of golfers.

“Golf has been a sport that has largely been dominated by men. We are happy because KCB is continuously demystifying that perception through the opportunities granted to women and juniors to participate in the series. We urge other corporate entities to do the same so that we can build the next generation of golfers who will compete at global events,” said tournament convener Rita Waruinge.

The Tour will then head to the Great Rift Valley Lodge on September 2^nd for its 12^th leg.

Immediate former Ruiru Sports Club chairman Peter Mwaura Kimani in action at a past
golf tournament.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Over 250 top amateur golfers across the country are expected to grace the inaugural Institute of Public Finance (IPF) Golf Tournament at the Par 73 Ruiru golf course this weekend.

Some of the big names expected to brave the greens include Jefferson Kariuki, Ruth G. Kamau, Chege Kariuki, and Dr. K Laibuta. The quartet has been impeccable in the previous tournaments held at the 18-hole course and they will be out to battle for top honors.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated tourney, Ruiru Club Captain Jessy Ndegwa said: “We are excited to host the first edition of the Institute of Public Finance (IPF) golf tournament in Ruiru. The course is in good shape, and we cannot wait to see action over the weekend as the golfers battle it out for the top honors. We are expecting a very tough competition and it is my hope that the weather will be gracious enough for a splendid golf outing.”

The tournament will be played under the theme, ‘Integrated, and Inclusive Budgeting for Sustainable Climate Action’ where the morning action will tee off at 6:50 am while the afternoon tee will start at 10:40 am.

“At IPF, we are passionate about sports and its importance in fostering social cohesion. We believe that golf provides an opportunity for people to interact and network away from their normal office setting as they enjoy amazing courses. We look forward to having a good time with all the players for long-term engagements,” noted IPF CEO, James Muraguri.

He added that IPF will continue to sponsor such tournaments in the future as a way of building the next generation of golfing talent while supporting national conversations on climate change and budget priorities.