Article:
Nairobi’s top golfer Njoroge Kibugu has received a Sh5 million government reward in recognition of his outstanding performance at the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) golf tournament held in February.
The monetary award fulfills a pledge made by President William Ruto during the closing ceremony of the tournament at Karen Country Club on February 22.
The cheque was officially presented on Tuesday at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. During the ceremony, Mvurya said the government’s reward demonstrates the administration’s commitment to supporting sporting talent and growing Kenya’s sports industry.
He described Kibugu as a golfing hero whose discipline and talent are inspiring many young athletes across the country.
According to the CS, Kibugu’s performance at the Magical Kenya Open has already drawn international attention and could open doors for him to compete in major global tournaments.
“Njoroge has attracted a lot of attention internationally. Very soon he will be joining international tournaments,” Mvurya said.
The CS added that the government is working closely with sports federations and other stakeholders to strengthen talent development systems in the country. He emphasized that sports should increasingly become a viable source of livelihood for young Kenyans.
Part of this effort includes plans to develop a comprehensive golf curriculum for schools and training institutions in partnership with the national golfing fraternity.
While receiving the cheque, Kibugu said the recognition was not just a personal achievement but a motivation for other aspiring golfers.
He noted that the government’s support shows that dedication and hard work in sports can lead to real opportunities.
“This is a great move, not just for me but for other golfers and juniors aspiring to play professionally. It shows that if you invest time and effort in training, success is possible,” he said.
Patrick Obath, chairman of the Kenya Golf Open, welcomed the government’s move to reward excellence in the sport. He said the golfing fraternity is actively working to nurture young players so that more Kenyan golfers can compete successfully on the global stage.
The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Philip Ochola, president of Golf Kenya, and several senior officials from the sports department.
This story was originally reported by Citizen Digital and has been rewritten with additional context.
