Kiambu Golf Club will host elite amateur golfers this weekend as the fourth edition of the NCBA Kiambu Open tees off from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11.
A total of 92 entries were received for the tournament, but in line with Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) guidelines, only 78 top-ranked golfers will compete for honors and a prize purse of KES 500,000.
The 54-hole stroke play event is part of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series and contributes points to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
It is jointly sponsored by NCBA Bank and Medipoint Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Leading the field is defending champion Michael Karanga, who returns to Kiambu aiming to retain his title.
Karanga has enjoyed a dominant run on the KAGC circuit this season and will face stiff competition from top-tier players including John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, Josphat Rono and Adel Balala among others.
Lejirma, currently ranked as Kenya’s top male amateur golfer with 675 points from four events, has already secured two titles this year — the NCBA Windsor Classic and the NCBA Kisii Open.
Muigua, fresh from his victory at the 2025 Winston Churchill Tournament at Thika Sports Club, is ranked second in the series with 613 points.
Karanga follows in third with 493 points.
Rono, who recently clinched the Trans Nzoia Open in Kitale — his second major win in five months — sits fifth with 270 points.
The women’s field will feature Kellie Gachaga, who impressed with a stellar performance at the 2025 Kenya Ladies Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Sigona Golf Club, where she posted rounds of 72, 76, and 69 for a one-over-par total of 217 to claim the title.
Also competing is Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge, the 2023 Kiambu Open women’s champion. Wafula is in top form, coming off a runner-up finish at last weekend’s Strokeplay Championship at Sigona.
Kenya Golf Union Tournament Director Chris Kinuthia highlighted the significance of the event, stating that the Kiambu Open will be played according to the Rules of Golf as approved by the R&A, and in compliance with KAGC Qualifying Event standards.
“This event offers young and rising golfers an excellent opportunity to sharpen their skills, test themselves against the best, and prepare for regional and international competitions such as the Victoria Cup,” Kinuthia said.
With its rich tradition, tight fairways, and challenging greens, the Kiambu course promises three days of compelling action and high-stakes golf drama.