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 

Vipingo Ridge’s Naom Wafula follows her teeshot during the 7th leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at VetLab.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kenyan professional and elite amateur golfers are gearing up for the Absa Invitational series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, this week at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort, as the Tour heads into a crucial phase of the season. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The Thika Greens which tees off from the Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th January 2025, has attracted a strong regional field of 82 golfers from 10 African countries, with Kenyan players forming the largest contingent with 55 players as they look to capitalize on home advantage and push for valuable Sunshine Development Tour order of merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Ksh. 2 million prize money on offer.

Among those preparing for the event is leading Kenyan amateur and winner of the Royal Nairobi leg, John Lejirma, who has enjoyed a strong run on the Tour and continues to sharpen his game against professional competition.

John Lejirma follows his tee shot at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club during the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.

“I have been preparing well and I am looking forward to playing at Thika Greens,” said Lejirma. “Competing regularly on the Sunshine Development Tour has helped my game a lot, especially mentally. Playing against professionals from across Africa pushes you to raise your level every week.”

Muthaiga Golf Club professional Greg Snow, who has been a consistent performer on the Tour, recently claiming the Limuru Country Club leg title, believes the Thika leg will be highly competitive.

“Preparation has been good and I am feeling confident heading into Thika. The Tour has been very competitive this season and every event feels important. Thika Greens is a course that rewards good ball striking, so you really have to be sharp from the first tee. Having played there already in the current season, I feel confident that I will post good scores,” said Snow.

Also in the field is experienced Kenyan pro and President of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), John Wangai, who says the Tour has brought renewed focus and structure to professional golf in the country.

“I have been working on my game and fitness ahead of Thika,” said Wangai. “This Tour has given us regular competition at a high standard, and that makes a big difference. Every event feels like an opportunity to test yourself and move closer to the next level. We look forward to a great event in Thika as we approach the end of the season.”

CJ Wangai in action during the Betika Masters at VetLab Sports Club.

For Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club who recently turned professional, the Thika Greens event is a perfect opportunity to launch her professional career and is eager to make an impact.

“My preparation has been focused on consistency and course management,” said Wanjiru. “Playing at Thika Greens is special for me and I am excited to compete against such a strong field. Being part of this Tour has given me confidence that I belong at this level. Seeing the growth of professional golf in Kenya over the past year played a key part in convincing me to turn pro.”

Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula, who continues to use the Tour to sharpen her game, said the Thika event is key as players look to finish the season strongly.

“I have been preparing well and focusing on my short game and fitness,” said Wafula. “The Sunshine Development Tour has raised the level of competition and every event matters. Thika Greens is an important leg and I am looking forward to testing myself again.”

The Thika Greens tournament forms part of the Absa Invitational series and is expected to deliver three days of intense competition as Kenyan players look to assert themselves against strong regional opposition drawn from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal.

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing continues to provide a structured, merit based pathway for professional and elite amateur golfers, offering Official World Golf Ranking points and a direct route to continental and global golf opportunities.