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NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship – Kiambu Open 2024 Set to Tee Off at Kiambu Golf Club from 14th to 16th November

Kiambu, Kenya – The 26th event in the NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series, the NCBA Kiambu Open, is set to take place from 15th to 17th November 2024 at the prestigious Kiambu Golf Club. This marks the third edition of the Kiambu Open since its inauguration in 2022. The event has drawn 78 talented golfers from across Kenya and the East African region, including participants from Uganda and Rwanda.

The tournament will feature an exciting mix of seasoned players and rising stars. Homegrown talent such as Michael Karanga, Elvis Muigua, Michael Ngene, and Steven Kiaro are expected to deliver top-tier performances this weekend. Additionally, the event has attracted a strong lineup of lady golfers including local standout Joyce Wanjiru, Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge, Riddima Singh from India, and Kellie Gachaga of Karen Country Club, all of whom are eager to showcase their skills and challenge for top honors.

As the 2024 NCBA Series nears its conclusion, the competition remains fierce. Michael Karanga currently leads the series with an impressive 722 points, followed by John Lejirma with 646 points, while Elvis Muigua sits in third with 449.3 points. With several tournaments already completed, this year’s series has provided an incredible platform for emerging talent, highlighted by new champions such as Elly Barno who won (Nandi Bears), William Odek (Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship), Josephat Rono (Golf Park Golf Club), Titus Okwong (Tea Fields Trophy), Felix Dusabe (Mt. Kenya Championship), Michael Alunga (Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship), and John Kamais (Nyanza Open).

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. David Ndung’u, Chairman of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), expressed gratitude towards NCBA Group for their ongoing support of the amateur golf circuit. “We are truly grateful to NCBA for their unwavering commitment to the growth of golf in Kenya. The NCBA Series has provided a unique opportunity for both established and upcoming players to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. The sponsorship has played a key role in developing the sport, giving golfers the platform they need to progress and gain international exposure. We are excited to see how this partnership continues to elevate Kenyan golf, and we look forward to an exciting weekend at Kiambu Golf Club.”

The support from NCBA has been instrumental in the success of this year’s championship series. By sponsoring these events, NCBA is not only contributing to the development of Kenya’s golfing talent but also fostering youth participation and encouraging broader regional engagement in the sport. Their investment is helping to grow the game from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring that Kenyan golfers continue to thrive both locally and internationally.

ENDS-

About Kenya Golf Union:

Established in 1928, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is Kenya’s oldest continuous sports organization. Affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation, KGU serves as the governing body for golf in Kenya, uniting 38 golf clubs and 2 golfing societies across the nation. The Union’s core objectives encompass the advancement, promotion, and protection of golfing interests within Kenya.

About NCBA Group:

NCBA Group is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates a network of more than 100 branches in five countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.  NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is Kenya’s third-largest bank by assets. The Bank is set to play a key role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions. The Bank is a market leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.

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ohn Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, Adel Balala, and Krish Beiju will represent Kenya in the upcoming All Africa Golf Team Championship, to be held at the Bulawayo Golf Club in Zimbabwe from 27th October to 2nd November 2024.

“We are thrilled to see our young talents representing Kenya on such a prestigious platform. Their hard work and commitment have truly paid off, and we have full confidence in their abilities to compete at the highest level. This championship is not only a chance to showcase their skills but also an opportunity to foster camaraderie among African nations through sport,” said David Ndung’u, KGU Chairman. The chairman will accompany the team to Zimbabwe

The team is riding high after their recent wins in Region IV held earlier this month. “We are looking forward to our next assignment at the AAGTC in Zimbabwe. Competing against the top amateurs on the continent will be a true test of our abilities as a team. Myself, Adel, Lejirma, and Krish have been working hard individually and will continue training with our coach following our recent success,” said John Lejirma, team captain.

The  team has been training under national coach John van Liefland for the past two months and is ready for the championship, which has attracted a total of 15 countries, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Seychelles among others .

The biennial All Africa Golf Championship, considered one of the most prestigious amateur team events, was first played in 2001 and is endorsed by the R&A and the Africa Golf Confederation.

NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield attracts 74 Top Amateur Golfers this Weekend

Nairobi, 1^st October 2024 — The NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield is set to take place from October 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Nandi Bears Golf Club. This event has attracted 74 talented amateur players from across the region.

The tournament will feature a competitive field, with notable players to watch including home players Nelson Koech, Elly Barno, Ebill Omollo from Vet Lab Sports Club, and Daniel Kiragu from Muthaiga Golf Club.

The tournament will be without the top four players in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) rankings: Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala. These players will be representing Kenya in the Africa Region IV Championship, taking place simultaneously from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, in Kigali.

The NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield aims not only to crown a champion but also to promote the sport of golf across the region. NCBA is the main sponsor of the tournament joined by other local sponsors who have provided a platform for golfers to showcase their skills while encouraging participation at all levels.

The Prize Money for the event is set at Ksh. 400, 000, where the winner will walk away with Ksh. 92,500.

“We are happy to return to Nandi Bears Golf Club and extend our heartfelt thanks to the management for their exceptional organization. We also express our deep appreciation to our sponsors, led by NCBA, for their unwavering support of our elite golfers. NCBA has been with us for the last 2 years and the positive impact that this sponsorship has had to the golf and lives of our amatures is very positive. We would like to encourage more sponsors to follow suite and grow the sport,” said Brian Akun, Hon. Secretary of the Kenya Golf Union.

“This is one of the ongoing 28 events in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) 2024 Calendar organized by the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and sponsored by NCBA which counts to The eventual  Golfer of the Year award. This will take place during the final round later on in December at Nyali Golf Club. It also offers a platform for golfers to earn points to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR),” he added.

-ENDS-

About Kenya Golf Union:

Established in 1928, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is Kenya’s oldest continuous sports organization. Affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation, KGU serves as the governing body for golf in Kenya, uniting 38 golf clubs and 2 golfing societies across the nation. The Union’s core objectives encompass the advancement, promotion, and protection of golfing interests within Kenya.

About NCBA Group:

NCBA Group is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates a network of more than 100 branches in five countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.  NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is Kenya’s third-largest bank by assets. The Bank is set to play a key role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions. The Bank is a market leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.

Kenya Team Meets Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum for Flag Handover Ceremony Ahead of Africa Region IV Championship

Nairobi, 1^st October 2024 — The Kenya Team for the Africa Region IV Championship had the honor of meeting with the Ministry of Youth Affairs , Creative Economy and Sports, Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum during the flag handover ceremony held ton Tuesday 1st October 2024 at his office. The championship is set to take place from October 3rd to 6th, 2024, at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas where they will compete against Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles , Reunion and the host nation, Rwanda.

The team comprises talented players Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala, who will be accompanied by KGU Vice Chairman and Tournaments Director Mr. Chris Kinuthia. This event marks a significant opportunity for the team to showcase their skills on a continental stage.

During the ceremony, PS Eng. Peter Tum emphasized the importance of establishing a golf development pathway to encourage continuity in the sport. He expressed his commitment to discussing potential funding for a professional league with the Federation, highlighting the need for current talented amateurs to have clear progression in their careers.

“Kenya is also keen on hosting the Africa Golf Confederation offices in Kenya,” said Philip Ochola – Chairman Kenya Golf Federation. “This would not only bolster our local golfing community but also position Kenya as a leading hub for golf development in the region.”

The Kenya Team is enthusiastic about representing the nation and aims to build on its past successes in the Africa Region IV Championship. With the support of the Ministry and the Golf Federation, the team is determined to excel and bring home the trophy.

For Immediate Release

Kenya Golf Union Names Team for 2024 Region IV Championship

Nairobi, Kenya 25^th September 2024 – The Kenya Golf Union is pleased to announce the team representing Kenya at the upcoming Region IV Championship, set to take place from October 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda.

The selected team includes:

• Michael Karanga (Kiambu Golf Club) – Ranked 1st with 693 points
• John Lejirma (Kenya Railway Golf Club) – Ranked 2nd
• Elvis Muigua (Kiambu Golf Club) – Ranked 3rd
• Adel Balala (Nyali Golf and Country Club) – Ranked 4^th

The team will be defending their title for the coveted Region IV trophy, formerly known as the East Africa Challenge.

They depart for Rwanda on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, where they will compete against Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles , Reunion and the host nation, Rwanda.

Accompanying the team is Mr. Chris Kinuthia, Tournament Director for the Kenya Golf Union. Mr. Kinuthia confirmed that the team has undergone rigorous training for the past month under the guidance of National Team Coach John Van Liefland.

Team Captain John Lejirma conveyed strong confidence in the team’s readiness, saying, “I’m confident that the team is in great shape, and we will come back with the trophy.

REGION 4 – RWANDA 2024

OFFICIAL PROGRAM:

• 2^nd  October 2024

Teams Arrival

• 09:00 -Teams arrival at the course
• 10:00-13:00 -Practice Round Day 1 with official team start times
• 14:00- 16:00 -Teams transportation back to hotel

• 3^rd  October, 2024
  • 08:00 – 09:00 -Teams Registration

-Collection of flags and national anthems from all countries at the Pro-shop reception

• 10:00-13:00 -Practice Round Day 2 with official team start times
• 14:00 -Trustees Meeting TBC. Team Managers Briefing TBC
• 15:00 -Flag raising ceremony and official team photographs
• 17:00 -Welcome cocktail

• 4^th  October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -1st round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s registration
  • 17:00 – Delegates Meeting TBC
• 5^th October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -2^nd round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s registration and practice round

• 6^th October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -3^rd and final round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s Tournament
  • 14:00 -Flag lowering ceremony
  • 19:30-23:00 -Gala Dinner & Prize presentation at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas Club Complex

18:00 – 19:00    – Transportation of teams from Century Park to KGR&V

22:00 – 23:00    – Transportation of teams from KGR&V to Century Park (organize own transport after)

• 7^th October, 2024
  • Teams Departure

NCBA Malindi Open and Vasco Da Gama Cup Set to Tee Off from September 20th to 22nd, 2024
Malindi, Kenya – The highly anticipated NCBA Malindi Open and Vasco Da Gama Cup will take place from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. The three days 54 holes stroke play Championship has drawn the Amateurs from across the Country where the players will play in the first two rounds after which the top 33 and ties will make the cut to the final round to be played on Sunday.
Among the top contenders are Kenya’s number one golfer and also the defending champion for the event- Michael Karanga from Kiambu Golf Club, Lejirma from Railway Golf Club and William Odek from Nyali Golf Club.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who have come on board to support this event, particularly our main sponsor, NCBA Bank, for their continued commitment to this year’s series. Our appreciation also goes to I-sal, Jambo Jet, and Kilifi County Government for their invaluable support.
The total prize money for the tournament is five hundred twenty thousand Kenyan shillings(520,000/=), with the winner set to take home one hundred thirty thousand Kenyan shillings(130,000/=.
Additionally, this event will count towards the World Amateur Ranking Golf (WARG), adding further significance to this exciting tournament.