The 2026 Magical Kenya Open will benefit from Ksh 10 million in support from Safaricom, reinforcing the telco’s ongoing involvement in Kenya’s premier golf tournament, scheduled from February 19 to 22 at Karen Country Club.
The sponsorship comprises Ksh 9 million in-kind contributions as the official technology and connectivity partner and Ksh 1 million in cash designated for the Beat the Pro challenge, aimed at junior golfers.
The in-kind component will provide high-speed, scalable connectivity, a fully equipped media centre, real-time scoring, and broadcasting infrastructure to support seamless tournament operations and global coverage.
Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, described the partnership as part of the company’s long-standing engagement with the event and with the growth of golf in Kenya.
“For the past 18 years, we have been part of the Magical Kenya Open and have remained a committed partner of this prestigious event,” he said.
“This enduring partnership reflects our dedication to developing talent and growing the game of golf in Kenya. As part of our commitment this year, we are delighted to provide Ksh 9 million worth of world-class connectivity and media infrastructure, alongside Ksh 1 million to support our junior golfers through the Beat the Pro tournament.”
The Beat the Pro tournament, funded through the cash component, gives junior and amateur golfers the opportunity to compete alongside professionals, offering early exposure and development pathways within the sport.
Safaricom has also supported local talent through its involvement with the Professional Golfers of Kenya Equator Tour, which serves as a development and qualification platform for players aspiring to compete at elite levels.
The PGK Equator Tour concluded in January at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, producing 10 Kenyan professionals who qualified for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
This list includes Safaricom-sponsored golfers Samuel Chege and Mutahi Kibugu, alongside Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Njoroge Kibugu, Dismas Indiza, Daniel Nduva, Edwin Mudanyi, CJ Wangai, and Jastas Madoya.
The 2026 edition of the tournament features 144 players globally, with 15 Kenyan participants, including 10 professionals and 5 amateurs. High-profile international competitors include South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk, defending his 2025 title, as well as previous champions Darius van Driel, Jorge Campillo, and Wu Ashun.
Elite amateurs and juniors are also represented, with participants such as Michael Karanga, Lejirma John, Jay Sandhu, Shashwat Harish, and Junaid Manji. Reserve professional players include Mohit Mediratta, Kenya Railways’ Mike Kisia, Eric Ooko, John Karichu, and Isaiah Otuke.
The Magical Kenya Open forms part of the DP World Tour calendar, offering international ranking points and exposure while providing a platform for local professionals to compete against global talent.
Safaricom’s involvement focuses on enabling operational efficiency, digital connectivity, and talent development, rather than promotional visibility, supporting both the structural needs of the tournament and the growth of golf in Kenya.
The 2026 prize purse stands at $2.7 million, reflecting the tournament’s continued status as a world-class sporting event, with a mix of international competitors and Kenyan talent poised to contend for top honors.
