Pro Brian Njoroge makes ceremonial tee off during the NCBA Golf Series Launch at Karen Country Club

By AMANDA DAMARIS

The 2026 NCBA Golf Series officially teed off today at the Karen Country Club, marking the start of another competitive golfing campaign across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Launched on Thursday, January 15, the 2026 NCBA Golf Series continues to build on five successful editions that have positioned NCBA as the leading corporate supporter of golf in the region.

As part of the launch, NCBA announced the renewal of its partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) ahead of the 2026 activities, committing over KES 60 million for the 2026 activities.

Under the renewed partnership KGU will receive KES 6 million to support the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series which teed off today with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at the Sigona Golf Club. The Junior Golf Foundation will receive KES 12 million to support junior golf events throughout the year, focusing on nurturing young talent and expanding access to the game.

A total of 35 events including 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs, and 2 Club Nites will be held in Kenya this year, with Uganda hosting three, Rwanda two, and Tanzania one.

Royal Nairobi Golf Club will host the first leg on January 31, 2026, paving way for the Series to traverse the country and will culminate with the Grand Finale on November 27, 2026, at the Karen Country Club.

The 2026 NCBA-sponsored events calendar will see a total of 166 events held across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, an increase from 164 events held in 2025. Of those, 123 will be hosted in Kenya, 35 in Uganda, five in Tanzania, and three in Rwanda.

Out of the 166 events, 90 will be Junior tournaments where Kenya will host 49, Uganda 32, Tanzania four, and Rwanda one. This will be the second time Rwanda will be hosting a Junior event under the NCBA umbrella, their first one having been last year.

Speaking during the launch, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said; “We are excited to launch the 2026 NCBA Golf Series. Each event is targeted at club members and customers, juniors, amateurs, and professionals and offers a platform for competition, friendship, and personal growth, reinforcing the values that bind us together as a community. Our annual investment of over KES 60 million is not just a statistic; it reflects on lives touched, dreams ignited, and a legacy of excellence we are proud to nurture.”

NCBA Group Marketing & Communications Director Nelly Wainaina, and NCBA Group MD John Gachora presents NCBA’s sponsorship to Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri for JGF 2026 events.

Furthermore, Mr. Gachora outlined the impact of junior golf, pledging the bank’s continued support for the budding golfers: “This year we will see an expanded calendar for our juniors across the region and we are happy to be on the forefront to support the Junior Golf Federation. Last year, we saw junior players triumph when they came up against amateur golfers and we would like to see the same continue this year. At NCBA, we believe that the future of golf lies in nurturing young talent.”

On his part, KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia thanked NCBA for their continued partnership and support. “As the Kenya Golf Union, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the NCBA Group for our 2026 activities.  Last year, we had one of the most competitive Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series. When we have such partnerships, the amateurs have something to play for because the prize money is a good motivation. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to nurturing golfing talent and promoting the sport’s growth in Kenya and beyond. We look forward to a competitive and exciting season ahead.”

JGF President Vincent Mukiri applauded NCBA’s efforts in advancing junior golf, noting: “This partnership has revolutionized junior golf development across Kenya and East Africa. It provides young golfers with vital competitive platforms, skill-building opportunities, and pathways for growth. When the juniors see a clear pathway being created through the different levels just as NCBA is doing, they want to go up the levels and turn pros because they have something to look up to. Expanding junior tournaments to Rwanda and scaling events regionally demonstrates unwavering commitment to elevating golf throughout East Africa.”

The JGF-Kenya calendar is set to tee off with the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on Sunday February 8, 2026, at the VetLab Sports Club 

Willy Dues follows his tee shot during the Thika Greens Resort leg of the Sunshine Development Tour Absa Invitational Series

By DANIELLA APIYO

Uganda’s Willy Dues and Nyeri Golf Club’s Mutahi Kibugu played identical rounds of three under par 68 to move joint top of the Absa Invitational, the ninth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, at Thika Greens Golf Resort as 30 players made cut. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Despite dropping two shots on the second hole, the Ugandan recovered with birdies on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 13th, 14th,and 16th but bogeyed the last two holes to extend his tally to six under par 136 ahead of the final day on Friday.

Speaking after his round, Dues said: “I played well today although I must admit that I was a little bit nervous towards the end. I had an idea of what I wanted to do but there were things I could not control like the win and bounces on the ball on the 17th and 18th. I am a human like everyone else, the nerves kicked in on the last two holes. I will control what I can control tomorrow and leave the rest to God and see how it goes.”

On his part, Mutahi dropped shots on the third and 11th holes, then birdied the fourth, 14th, and 17th and played an eagle on the 18th to match Dues’ score for the day to set up an exciting flight for the final round.

Mutahi Kibugu tees off during the Thika Greens Resort leg of the Sunshine Development Tour Absa Invitational Series

Commenting after being on the lead for the first time in the tour, Mutahi said: “It was a nice outing although the flags were really tucked, and the wind was pumping today. However, I am happy to have played another –3 today. This is my first time being on the lead in this tour and it feels nice to be back here, I do not feel the pressure. I have been hitting good shots off the tee, and I will continue to capitalize on my swing tomorrow, and I hope I can keep my score low.”

“I have worked very hard but it did not show last year during the earlier tournaments in the tour but it is starting to show now. A win here will be a big boost for my confidence and will show my team that I am on the right path,” he added.

Zimbabwe’s Victor Mapwanya alongside Kenya’s duo of David Wakhu and Njoroge Kibugu are tied third on the leaderboard with four under-par 138 heading to Friday. While Mapwanya and Wakhu played two under par 69 on Thursday, Njoroge rallied to three under par 68 to move to within touching distance.

The Absa Invitational is offering a total prize purse of Ksh 2 million, alongside Official World Golf Ranking points, World Amateur Golf Ranking points, and valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, crucial in the race for Sunshine Tour promotion and also count towards qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.

The Thika Greens Golf Resort leg of the Absa Invitational Series will culminate tomorrow before paving way for the Karen Country Club event next week.