Betika has injected KES 3.2 million into the preparation of five leading Kenyan golfers set to compete at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, reinforcing private sector backing for local talent on the global stage.
The sponsorship package will support elite amateurs Michael Karanga and John Lejirma, alongside seasoned professionals CJ Wangai, Samuel Njoroge, and Justus Madoya. The five are part of Kenya’s contingent preparing to compete at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, a flagship tournament on the DP World Tour calendar scheduled for February 19 to 22 at the Karen Country Club.
The funding will cover tournament preparations, endorsement fees and logistics, ensuring the players are competitively equipped to challenge an international field. This marks the third consecutive year that Betika has sponsored local golfers for the event, underscoring sustained corporate interest in golf as a growing commercial sport in Kenya.
Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava said the firm is focusing its support on athletes who have demonstrated consistent performance.
“We remain committed to elevating Kenyan sports on the global stage. By concentrating our support on these five outstanding athletes, we aim to provide more targeted assistance to individuals who have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season,” Mr Mutava said.
“The talent present in Kenyan golf is undeniable, and we take great pride in supporting these athletes as they compete against the world’s best at Karen Country Club,” he added.
Backing a Growing Sports Economy
The Magical Kenya Open has evolved into one of East Africa’s most commercially significant sporting events since joining the DP World Tour in 2019. The tournament attracts global sponsors, international broadcasters and thousands of visiting fans, generating direct spending in hospitality, transport and tourism.
The 2026 edition is expected to draw more than 25,000 spectators and a full field of 144 players from over 30 countries. Kenya will field the largest national contingent, with 18 players comprising 12 professionals and six amateurs. South Africa follows with 17 players, led by defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk.
For corporates, sponsorship of elite athletes tied to a globally televised event offers brand visibility both locally and internationally. Sports marketing analysts note that golf, traditionally viewed as a niche sport, has increasingly attracted broader commercial interest due to its high-profile international circuits and growing domestic participation base.
Betika’s investment also reflects intensifying competition among gaming and betting firms to align with mainstream sports properties as part of brand positioning strategies, particularly in a regulatory environment that demands responsible and visible corporate engagement.
Strong Form Heading into Karen
The sponsored golfers enter the tournament following standout performances in 2025.
John Lejirma arrives at Karen as the reigning 2025 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series champion after a dominant season that included nine tournament victories. His consistency throughout the year has elevated him to one of the country’s most promising amateur prospects.
Michael Karanga made history as the first amateur to qualify for this year’s Magical Kenya Open after securing victory at the 2025 Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship. He also successfully defended his titles at the Sigona Bowl and the Kiambu Open, cementing his status among the country’s elite amateurs.
On the professional side, Samuel Njoroge continues his upward trajectory following a notable win at the PGK Equator Tour event in Diani late last year. His recent performances have signalled growing competitiveness among Kenya’s professional ranks.
CJ Wangai brings experience and recent form, having set a course record of six-under-par at VetLab during the Sunshine Development Tour. Meanwhile, Justus Madoya posted strong results across the East African circuit, including a top-tier finish in the Rwanda leg of the regional professional tour.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsored players, Karanga said the financial backing allows the golfers to concentrate fully on performance.
“We are prepared for the upcoming weekend. Our intention is not merely to participate in Karen, but to compete at the highest level. It is gratifying to focus solely on the game without financial concerns,” he said.
Karanga added that the squad believes a Kenyan player can mount a serious challenge for the title this year.
Strategic Importance of the MKO
The Magical Kenya Open serves not only as a sporting spectacle but also as a strategic tourism and investment showcase for Kenya. The tournament is marketed globally under the Magical Kenya brand, positioning the country as a premium travel and sporting destination.
For the Kenyan golf ecosystem, the DP World Tour event provides rare direct competition against top-tier international professionals, offering local players exposure to higher performance standards and potential pathways to global tours.
Industry stakeholders argue that sustained corporate sponsorship is critical to bridging funding gaps in player development, travel and tournament preparation. Unlike football and athletics, golf in Kenya receives limited direct public funding, making private sector participation central to competitive advancement.
The presence of 18 Kenyan players in the 2026 field, the largest international contingent, signals depth in domestic talent but also highlights the financial demands associated with participation at this level.
Commercial Momentum in Kenyan Golf
Golf participation in Kenya has expanded over the past decade, with new tournaments, junior programs and corporate-sponsored circuits contributing to a broader base. Courses such as Karen Country Club have gained international recognition, further strengthening Kenya’s case as a regional golfing hub.
The 2026 Magical Kenya Open is expected to deliver significant media exposure through global sports networks, amplifying brand partnerships and reinforcing Kenya’s positioning within the international golfing calendar.
As the February tournament approaches, attention will turn to whether the local contingent can convert strong domestic form into competitive performances against a global field.
For Betika and other sponsors, the return on investment will be measured not only in branding visibility but also in the long-term strengthening of Kenya’s sporting credentials.
With corporate backing, competitive preparation and home-course familiarity at Karen, the five sponsored golfers will seek to translate momentum from a record-breaking 2025 season into a strong showing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
