Published on December 19, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Golfer Michael Karanga has been awarded the prestigious LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for November 2024.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by Kenyan sports personalities and has honored numerous athletes over the past decade.
Karanga earned this accolade following his stellar performance on the greens, highlighted by his successful defense of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) title.
This victory was cemented by his November triumph in the Kiambu Open at his home ground, the
Kiambu Golf Club, in November, which secured his overall KAGC crown and guaranteed his
participation in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open as Kenya’s leading amateur golfer.
Earlier in November, Karanga also defended the Manchester Salver title in Eldoret, showcasing his consistency despite narrowly missing his course record from the previous year. He went on to post an impressive 204 points, finishing four under par (-4) and winning the Uhuru Shield at Royal Nairobi in the first week of December.
He has, so far, won nine titles from 17 competitions this year, clinching the coveted KAGC title and automatic
qualification for the Magical Kenya Open.
In addition to his accomplishments, Karanga played a pivotal role in Team Kenya’s
successful defense of the Africa Region IV Golf Tournament, held at the Kigali Golf Resort
and Villas in Rwanda.
LG Electronics Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee, lauded Karanga’s achievements, describing him as a ‘national inspiration’.
“His commitment to the sport and consistency are unmatched, and we are honored to award him this month. We know that it will not be too long before he is shining on the global stage,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by SJAK Secretary General Moses Wakhisi, who praised Karanga for his dedication and called upon him to continue inspiring young athletes in Kenya.
“Karanga has demonstrated what discipline and hard work can achieve, and we hope his
journey will motivate upcoming golfers to aim higher and put Kenya on the global sporting map,” Wakhisi said.
Karanga faced stiff competition for the SPOM award, with nominees including Sheila Chepkurui, the 2024 New York Marathon champion who claimed her first major marathon win in 2:24:35; Mercy Kerubo and Ian Okinyi, whose contributions helped Kenya top the junior weightlifting standings and win the Africa title; and Amos Obae, the Impala Floodies Most Valuable Player, who was instrumental in Menengai Oilers’ maiden Floodies title victory
on November 2.
Other nominees included Africa Military 100M gold medalist Meshack Babu and Tusker FC striker Ryan Ogam.
