For the sixth year in a row, NCBA has reaffirmed its position as the region’s leading corporate supporter of golf following the official launch of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series at Karen Country Club last Thursday.
The Series marks the continuation of a sustained six-year commitment to golf development across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, building on five successful previous editions.
As part of the launch, NCBA announced the renewal of its partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF), committing over KES 60 million towards golf activities in 2026.
Under the renewed arrangement, KGU will receive KES 6 million to support the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, which teed off on Friday with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club.
The Junior Golf Foundation will receive KES 12 million to fund junior golf events throughout the year, with a focus on nurturing young talent and expanding access to the game.
In Kenya, the 2026 NCBA Golf Series will feature 35 events comprising 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs, and two Club Nites.
Uganda will host three events, Rwanda two, and Tanzania one.
The first leg of the Series will be held at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on January 31, 2026, before the circuit traverses the region and culminates with the Grand Finale on November 27, 2026, at Karen Country Club.
Overall, the 2026 NCBA-sponsored calendar will feature 166 events across the four countries, up from 164 in 2025. Kenya will host 123 events, Uganda 35, Tanzania five, and Rwanda three.
Of the 166 events, 90 will be junior tournaments, with Kenya hosting 49, Uganda 32, Tanzania four, and Rwanda one. This will be the second time Rwanda is hosting a junior event under the NCBA umbrella, having staged its first last year.
Speaking during the launch, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the bank was excited to roll out 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 lives touched, dreams ignited, and a legacy of excellence we are proud to nurture,” said Gachora.
He further emphasized NCBA’s focus on junior golf, adding: “This year we will see an expanded calendar for our juniors across the region and we are happy to be at the forefront in supporting 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.”
KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia thanked NCBA for its continued support, saying the Union was delighted to extend its partnership with the bank for the 2026 season.
“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,” said Kinuthia.
He added: “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.”
Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri also lauded NCBA’s impact on junior golf development across the region, noting that the partnership has revolutionized junior golf in Kenya and East Africa.
“It provides young golfers with vital competitive platforms, skill-building opportunities, and pathways for growth. When juniors see a clear pathway being created through the different levels, just as NCBA is doing, they are motivated to rise through the ranks and turn professional. Expanding junior tournaments to Rwanda and scaling events regionally demonstrates unwavering commitment to elevating golf throughout East Africa,” said Mukiri.
The Junior Golf Foundation Kenya calendar will tee off with the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the VetLab Sports Club.
