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 

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.