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Absa invests Sh60m in Kenya Open

Sports PS Peter Tum (centre) practices a shot alongside Absa Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed (fourth left), Kenya Open Golf Limited Tournament Director Patrick Obath (third left), Junior Golf Foundation's Regina Gachora (2nd left),Gregory Mwenda (left),Jeff Kubwa and Sammy Itemere (right) during the Absa Kenya Open sponsorship on February 10, 2025 at  Muthaiga Golf Club.


Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation

By  Larry Ngala

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Sports PS Peter Tum emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting sports development and ensuring the tournament's success.
  • “As a government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for sports organizations to thrive in our country. Our commitment is driven by the fact that sports not only bring us together as a nation but also enable our youth to pursue their sporting talent. It is for this reason that the government has once again agreed to invest heavily financially in making sure that Kenya hosts the Magical Kenya Open 2025," he said.

Absa Bank PLC has announced a Sh60 million sponsorship for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open.

The 56th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, DP World Tour series, will tee off from February 20 to 23 at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Course. Of the total sponsorship, Sh40 million has been allocated to support the LOC through Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), ensuring a seamless execution of the tournament.

The remaining funds will go towards promotional efforts and creating exclusive experiences for fans and stakeholders, delivering a world-class event.

Related

Speaking on Monday during the sponsorship announcement, Absa Bank Kenya PLC’s Managing Director and CEO, Abdi Mohamed, underscored the bank’s long-standing commitment to sports development in Kenya. He highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of sports, particularly in empowering individuals and communities.

“At Absa, our purpose is to empower Africa’s tomorrow together…one story at a time. Through our sponsorships, we showcase the undeniable socio-economic impact of sports. These initiatives boost tourism, create jobs, and invigorate local economies, illustrating our commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment,” he said on Monday.

He further noted the event’s economic ripple effect, benefiting the hospitality and transport sectors, supporting small businesses and local communities, and showcasing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

The Kenyan professionals set to compete include Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi. They will battle over four rounds for a share of the Sh322.5 million prize purse.

The Magical Kenya Open is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s premier golf tournaments, playing a pivotal role in positioning Kenya as a global golf and sports tourism hub. The 2025 edition will feature 144 elite golfers from around the world, including eight professionals and six amateur players from Kenya.

Sports PS Peter Tum emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting sports development and ensuring the tournament's success.

“As a government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for sports organizations to thrive in our country. Our commitment is driven by the fact that sports not only bring us together as a nation but also enable our youth to pursue their sporting talent. It is for this reason that the government has once again agreed to invest heavily financially in making sure that Kenya hosts the Magical Kenya Open 2025," he said.

Meanwhile, 17 Kenyan professionals flew out on Monday to Kigali for this year’s Rwanda Open, whose first round is set for Wednesday at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas course.

Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Chairman John Wangai said those in Rwanda include some of the Kenyan pros who qualified for the Magical Kenya Open, will use the Sh6.4 million prize purse event as part of their preparation for the Magical Kenya Open.

The pros in Rwanda are Dismas Indiza from Kakamega, Greg Snow of Muthaiga, David Wakhu (Golf Park) Samuel Njoroge (Railway), and Njoroge Kibugu of Muthaiga.

Other Kenyan pros who travelled to Rwanda who did not qualify for the Kenya Open are John Wangai, Sullivan Muthugia, Hesbon Kutwa from Royal, Erick Ooko of Golf Park, Dennis Saikwa of Royal, Mike Kisia of Railway, Shairleen Nanji of Nakuru, Andrew Chelogoi of Edloret, Richard Ainlrey of Nakuru, Jastas Madoya from Great Rift, and Nyali’s Daniel Nduva.