NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – The 2026 NCBA Golf Series officially teed off on Thursday at Karen Country Club, kicking off another season of competitive golf across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, backed by a Sh60 million commitment to the sport’s development.
Now in its sixth edition, the NCBA Golf Series builds on five successful seasons that have positioned NCBA as the region’s leading corporate supporter of golf. As part of the launch, the bank renewed its partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) ahead of the 2026 calendar.
Under the renewed agreements, KGU will receive KSh6 million to support the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, which teed off with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club. The Junior Golf Foundation will receive KSh12 million to fund junior golf events throughout the year, focusing on talent development and expanding access to the game.
This year’s series will feature 35 events in Kenya, including 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs and two Club Nites. Uganda will host three events, Rwanda two, and Tanzania one. The first leg will be held at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on January 31, 2026, with the series culminating in the Grand Finale on November 27, 2026, at Karen Country Club.
Across the region, NCBA will sponsor a total of 166 golf events in 2026, up from 164 last year. Of these, 123 will be hosted in Kenya, 35 in Uganda, five in Tanzania and three in Rwanda.
Junior golf remains a major focus, with 90 of the 166 events dedicated to junior tournaments. Kenya will host 49 junior events, Uganda 32, Tanzania four and Rwanda one, marking the second year Rwanda hosts a junior tournament under the NCBA banner.
Speaking at the launch, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the bank’s annual investment goes beyond sponsorship.
“Our annual investment of over KSh60 million is not just a statistic; it reflects lives touched, dreams ignited and a legacy of excellence we are proud to nurture,” Gachora said, adding that junior golf remains central to the bank’s long-term vision for the sport.
KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia thanked NCBA for its continued support, noting that strong partnerships help make the amateur circuit more competitive and rewarding for players. JGF President Vincent Mukiri said the collaboration has transformed junior golf development in Kenya and the wider region by creating clear pathways from junior to professional levels.
The junior calendar will tee off with the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on February 8, 2026, at the VetLab Sports Club.
