The KCB East Africa Golf Tour Grand Finale winning team from Burundi are awarded
a dummy cheque by KCB Group CEO Paul
Russo during Grand Finale at Karen Country Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Team Burundi produced a masterclass to win the 2025 KCB East Africa Golf Tour Grand Finale at the Karen Country Club, returning an impressive 118 points to lift the regional crown. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The quartet of Salvatore Ngezendore, Alexis Kibwimana, Brian Rasquinha, and Larissa Ninahazwe held their nerve on the demanding par-72 course as they edged out Kericho Club, whose team of Ignatius Ngetich, Ngetich Cheruiyot, Judy Chebon, and Debra Koske returned 116 points to finish runners-up.

Speaking moments after being crowned champions, Salvatore Ngezendore said: “We came in with a very clear strategy to stay consistent, stay calm, and trust each other’s strengths. The course was challenging, but we had prepared well. Winning this title shows what commitment can achieve, and our next step is to keep training together so we can represent Burundi even better on bigger stages.”

The victory earned Team Burundi KShs. 1 million, which will go towards a sustainability initiative at their home club, further cementing their contribution to developing the sport back home. Additionally, the champions will now enjoy full sponsorship from KCB to a prestigious golf tournament in Dubai.

Qverall winner of
the KCB East Africa Golf Tour 2025, Francis Odhiambo.

“This has been one of our most transformative sports programs,” he said. “Reaching over 3,000 participants and more than 2,000 juniors speaks to the power of investing in community sports. We are proud of the golfers who have grown through this platform and even prouder of the regional unity it continues to build,” noted KCB Group CEO Paul Russo.

In the individual categories, Francis Odhiambo emerged as the overall winner after posting 46 points, while Eliud Siganga secured the men’s title with 41 points, ahead of men’s runner-up Nicholas Amayo.

Among the ladies, Eleanor Wambui of Nyeri Club clinched victory with 39 points, narrowly beating Njeri Mwangi, who carded 38 points. Victor Odendo took home the staff winner’s prize with 44 points, while budding star Nathaniel Alimasi dominated the juniors after returning 45 points.

The longest drive accolades went to David Murima in the men’s category and Njeri Anyango among the ladies. Karume Weke was the nearest to the pin in the men’s category, while Nanyonga Gloria bagged it in the women’s category.

The Grand Finale marked the close of a dynamic 30-leg amateur series staged across more than 15 Counties in Kenya and four other East African nations, including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania. 

KCB Bank CEO Paul Ruso putts during a past KCB golf event.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Anticipation is high as the region counts down to the grand finale of the 2025 KCB East Africa Golf Tour, set to take place on December 5 at the prestigious Karen Country Club. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The championship’s return to the iconic par-72, 18-hole course marks a symbolic homecoming, as Karen hosted the inaugural finale of the tour two years ago.

Speaking ahead of the event, Karen Country Club Captain Charles Omanga said: “Our course is in excellent condition, and we look forward to offering golfers an unforgettable experience. The KCB East Africa Golf Tour has become a powerful platform for talent development and regional unity, and we are excited to see who rises to the top this year.”

A total of 40 elite teams from across East Africa have booked their place in the finale, having qualified through various legs held throughout the year. The tour, which has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant amateur golf platforms, featured events in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, reinforcing KCB’s ambition to use sport as a unifying force across the region.

“We are delighted to return to Karen Country Club for this year’s grand finale. “At KCB, sports is deeply rooted in who we are. Over the past two decades, we have invested close to KShs. 1 billion in golf as part of our mission to elevate the sport and cement Kenya’s place as a premier golfing destination,” noted KCB Group CEO Paul Russo.

This year’s circuit attracted over 3,000 golfers and engaged more than 2,000 juniors through a series of golf clinics aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. Since the inaugural series in 2023, KCB has also planted more than 2,000 trees across participating courses, aligning the tour with its sustainability agenda.

“By taking the tournament across East Africa, we have fostered unity, strengthened cross-border relationships, and created meaningful opportunities for golfers of all ages. We anticipate a fiercely contested finale, and perhaps a new champion from a different country. The winning team will again receive KShs. 1 million toward a sustainability initiative in their home club,” added Russo.

The 2025 finale will be backed by partners including EABL, Salute iWorld, Sensations, and Africa Collect Textiles (ACT), who have played a significant role in enriching this year’s event.