Premium
Railway golfer Mike Kisia joins the party at Kenya Open
From left: Edwin Mudanyi, Mutahi Kibugu, Dismus Indiza, John Wangai, Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman Patrick Obath, Greg Snow, David Wako, Mohit Medirrata, Justus Madoya and Mike Kisia during the unveiling of Kenyan pros at Karen Country Club, Nairobi on February 16, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Kenyan pro Mike Kisia will replace Sweden’s Simon Forrstrom who has withdrawn from the tournament.
- The field also includes five past winners of the tournament, and six top-ranked players from the United States.
Kenya Railway Golf Club-based professional, Mike Kisia, is the latest addition to the Kenyan line-up just two days to the first round of the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship.
The tournament, which forms part of the prestigious DP World Tour, will be held from Thursday till Sunday at Karen Country Club. It will start with a Pro-Am on Wednesday, followed by the first round on Thursday.
This year, a field of 144 golf players are expected to compete in the 57th edition of the tournament, which has an improved prize purse of US$ 2.7 million (equivalent to Sh348.381 million).
On Mondayy, Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman, Patrick Obath, said Kisia will replace Sweden’s Simon Forrstrom who has withdrawn from the tournament. Kisia’s addition brings to 12 the number of Kenyan pros who will compete in the tournament.
The other Kenyan pros are Greg Snow, Samuel Njoroge, David Wakhu, Njoroge Kibugu, Dismas Indiza, Mutahi Kibugu, Daniel Nduva, Edwin Mudanyi, John Wangai, Jastas Madoya, and Mohit Mediratta. Mediratta himself was included in the tournament’s roster on Friday following the withdrawal of Spanish golfer Eugenio Chacarra.
Meanwhile, during the unveiling of Kenya’s pro team at Karen Country yesterday, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the Magical Kenya Open has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious sporting events, firmly placing Kenya on the world golf calendar while showcasing the country as a premier destination for sports tourism.
“Today we are gathered here not merely to unveil a team but to affirm Kenya’s rising stature as a global sporting nation, with exceptional organizational prowess, unmatched sportsmanship, and a vibrant sporting culture that continues to define our identity in the world,’’ CS Mvurya observed.
Nation Media Group Chief Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Partnerships Officer Monicah Ndung’u makes her remarks during the unveiling of Kenyan pros at Karen Country Club, Nairobi on February 16, 2026.
Mvurya said the Magical Kenya Open is more than a tournament as it serves as a launchpad for Kenyan champions, and a gateway to global success for local golfers.
“I commend our sponsors and partners for their unwavering commitment. Your support is not charity, it is a strategic investment in Kenyan excellence, youth empowerment and global competitiveness,” Mvurya observed.
He challenged the Kenyan team to boldly rise to the occasion, compete fearlessly and carry the Kenyan flag with pride.
“Let this tournament mark Kenya’s transition from mere participation to podium dominance,” he added.
Obath predicted that more Kenyan players will make the cut in this year’s tournament.
“This season, the players have enjoyed far greater competitive exposure compared to previous years,” Obath observed.
“There is no reason why three or four Kenyan players should not make the cut this year. Members of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) have featured in several regional and international tournaments this season, including the Equator Tour and Sunshine Development Tour, and that will help they stay competitive on home soil,” said Obath.
He said the tournament will feature a full field of 144 players from more than 30 countries. Kenya brings the largest international contingent with 18 players – 12 professionals and six amateurs, followed by South Africa with 17 players, led by defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk.
The field also includes five past winners of the tournament, and six top-ranked players from the United States of America’s PGA Tour, underscoring the scale and stature of this year’s edition.
