In a landmark move to elevate Golf in Kenya, The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) in partnership with multiple stakeholders today officially launched its Player Development Program which includes a competitive tournament dubbed The Equator Tour.
The launch event brought together key representatives and executives from the Private Sector, Sports Federations, and Government. The launch, held in Nairobi, marked a critical step towards bridging the sustainable framework gap on professional golf and the dream of qualifying a Kenyan professional golfer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
John Gachora, Group Managing Director and CEO of NCBA, lauded the unity of the corporate sector in supporting this ambitious national goal.
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“We are collectively aligned as corporate sponsors and as believers in a shared Kenyan dream,” Gachora said. “We stand together with the vision of creating more jobs through monetizing talent and seeing our Kenyan flag raised high on global golfing stages including the Olympics.” These corporate sponsors are led by NCBA Bank, Safaricom, Visa, Britam Group, Nation Media Group, Kenya Airways, Standard Media Group and Diageo.
“At Safaricom we believe in transforming lives through powering of talents. Today, we commit KES. 3 million to support four professional players who will take part in the Equator Tour through the PGK program. Our goal is to create a sustainable pathway for professional golfers in Kenya, one that inspires, empowers and transforms lives through sport, ” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.
At Visa, we are proud to support initiatives like this because they align with our core belief: that when people are empowered to take even the smallest step forward, they unlock the potential for extraordinary outcomes. We commend PGK and all the partners involved for their vision and commitment, Said Chad Pollock, Visa East Africa GM
PGK Chairman John Wangai outlined the long-term vision of the organization and the critical role of the Player Development Plan in nurturing talent.
“This plan is more than a roadmap—it’s a commitment to our professionals,” said Wangai. “We are investing in our players with the intention of creating a consistent pipeline of talent channeled from the juniors and amateur golfers that can perform regionally, continentally, and globally.”
PGK CEO Robert Muthomi highlighted the significance of a tour fully owned and managed by the PGK.
“The Equator Tour is our platform for change,” said Muthomi. “It gives Kenyan professionals consistent playing opportunities, ranking points, and visibility—elements that have been missing for far too long. This is how we build champions.”
Philip Ocholla, President of the Kenya Golf Federation, spoke on the importance of collaboration among golf’s governing bodies.
“This is the first time in our history that we are seeing such alignment across federations,” said Ocholla. “When we work together, our shared structures can produce lasting results. The success of golf in Kenya depends on this unity.”
Evans Achoki Administrative Secretary in charge of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports reaffirmed the government’s support.
“The government is proud to support this initiative,” the representative said. “The PGK’s work reflects the Ministry’s goal of expanding commercial opportunities for young athletes, and we are fully committed to its success.”
The launch of the PGK Player Development Plan and Equator Tour marks a new era in Kenyan golf—one grounded in vision, collaboration, and the Olympic dream.
In conclusion the corporates balloted and selected the teams that will be representing them as follows:
NCBA – (Edwin Mudanyi, Erick Ooko, Abraham Galgallo, Njuguna Ngugi)
Safaricom – (Samuel Njoroge, Mutahi Kibugu, Mohit Medirrata, Mathew Wahome.)
Britam (Simon Ngige, Hesbon Kutwa, Simon Njogu, Kopan Timbe) Diageo (David Wakhu, CJ Wangai, Nelson Mudanyi, Nelson Simwa.)
Visa (Mike Kisia, Jeff Kubwa, Sujan Shah, Daniel Nduva.)
Kenya Airways -(Dismas Indiza, Jacob Okello, Justas Madoya, Joseph.W.Karanja)
Standard Media -(Greg Snow, Robinson Owiti, Tony Omuli, Sullivan Muthugia)
Nation Media – (Njoroge Kibugu, Alfred Nandwa, Dennis Saikwa, Isaiah Otukhe)
