L-R- KOGL Chairman Patrick Obath and Commerical Director Ronald Meru recieve a cheque

By DANIELLA APIYO

SportPesa has announced a Ksh. 20 million sponsorship towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, reaffirming its strategic investment in the local sports ecosystem.

The sp0nsorship will support the 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments and a key event on the DP World Tour calendar, attracting elite international golfers, global media coverage, and sports tourism opportunities.

Speaking during the announcement at the Karen Country Club, the host golf course for the competition, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said: “This is our grand entry into golf, and we are going to keep doing this for years to come.

“By supporting the Magical Kenya Open, we are investing in a platform that attracts world-class talent and enhances Kenya’s international reputation as a competitive host for premier sporting events.”

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri hands over a cheque worth Ksh 20 million to KOGL Chairman Patrick Obath as sponsorship of the 2026 Magical Kenya Open

Increased prize purse

A total of 144 golf players are expected to compete for this year’s edition which has an improved prize purse of USD 2.7 million.

Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman Patrick Obath commented on the partnership saying: “We welcome SportPesa as the official gaming and betting partner for the Magical Kenya Open 2026. Their support will help enhance the tournament experience for players, fans, and partners while reinforcing Kenya’s position on the global golfing calendar.”

As a key fixture on the DP World Tour calendar, the Magical Kenya Open has grown significantly in stature in recent years, becoming a platform for elite competition, investment, collaboration, and the promotion of Brand Kenya to global audiences.

Kenya’s flag will be flown by 10 professional and amateur golfers including Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke and Jacob Okello, whose second place finish at Muthaiga in 1998 remains the best a Kenyan has reached in the Kenya Open.

Jason Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer at SportPesa with Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Patrick Obath at the Karen Country Club

“In golf, we know success is never accidental. It takes preparation, precision, and strong partnerships. With SportPesa on board, we are not just aiming to host a great tournament, we are positioning Magical Kenya Open for sustained growth, and greater international prestige,” said KOGL Commercial Director, Ronald Meru.

The investment in golf comes barely a fortnight after SportPesa announced a Ksh. 120 million multi-sports investment targeting rallying, boxing and rugby. The company also has a running Kes. 1.12 billion title sponsorship of the SportPesa League where it also sponsors Gor Mahia FC, Murang’a SEAL and Shabana FC.

“Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a host for international sporting events across athletics, rugby, football, motorsport, and now elite golf. We are proud to contribute to this journey by backing events that enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness,” Concluded Jason Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer at SportPesa.  

Cherono Kipkorir in action during the Royal Nairobi Golf Club NCBA Golf Series qualifier

By AMANDA DAMARIS

The 2026 NCBA Golf Series is set to continue this Saturday February 14 ahead of a busy golfing weekend that will also have the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series take place, and the US Kids Golf tee off. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Muthaiga Golf Club will host the third leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series where more than 200 golfers will battle for the seven Grand Finale slots up for grabs across different categories.

Golfers will battle for top honors in multiple categories including the overall gross winner men, overall gross winner lady, overall gross runners up men, overall gross runners up lady, the third and fourth best overall gross, and junior winner.

More golf action will unfold at the Great Rift Valley Lodge where 78 amateurs will be battling for the 3rd NCBA Great Rift Valley Championship title from Friday 13 through to Sunday 15 as the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series enters the third leg as well.

Rafael Leming’ani will be out to defend the title he won last year, edging out Josphat Rono and Ebill Omollo in a three-hole playoff after the trio finished round three tied at 11-over par 224.

Leming’ani will be joined by Rono on the course with John Kamais and Isaac Makokha also among the players in the draw. Louisa Gitau will be the only female golfer on the course over the weekend.

The defending champion is optimistic that a good start to the KAGC series which has seen him win the Mt Kenya Championship two weeks ago will propel him.

“There is a little bit of pressure going into this leg because everyone is looking at me as the defending champion. However, I have had a good start to the series and the win at the Mt Kenya Championship is a big boost for me at such an early stage in the competition. I have trained well and I am ready for the weekend,” Leming’ani said.

NCBA Kenya MD James Gossip follows his putt during the Royal Nairobi Golf Club qualifier

In addition to the NCBA Golf Series and the KAGC Series, the NCBA US Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour will tee off at the VetLab Sports Club on Sunday, February 15.

The junior event, which is jointly organized by U.S. Kids Golf and the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya, is expected to attract over 100 junior golfers aged between 5 and 18 years, both boys and girls.

This event underscores NCBA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfing talent by providing young players with a competitive yet supportive platform.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora stated, “We are set for the first busy golfing weekend of the year where we will have activities across the NCBA Golf Series, the KAGC series, and the US Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour. This is a testament to what we continue to work towards in our involvement in the sport to ensure that we grow the game at all levels.

This NCBA series and the KAGC Series teed off earlier, and both are set for the third leg this weekend, and the enthusiasm is already showing. We are proud to support this dynamic sport that fosters community and skill development across the region.”