Published on May 14, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Michael Karanga delivered a spectacular final-round performance to clinch the 2025 NCBA Kiambu Open title, finishing three-under-par with a total score of 214 (73, 72, 69) over three rounds at the par-72 Kiambu Golf Club course.
His win earned him the top prize of KES 115,600 from the KES 500,000 prize fund sponsored by NCBA Bank.
Coming into the final day leading by two shots, Karanga’s final-round 69, the lowest of the tournament, cemented his dominance on the leaderboard. His composure and precision throughout the course made the difference as he surged ahead to secure the win. He carded birdies on holes 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17, only dropping shots at holes 4, 5, 14, and 18.
With the win, the Ndumberi Golf Club Chairman earned 230 KAGC Order of Merit points, climbing to second place overall with 723 points, just 72 points behind long-time series leader John Lejirma.
“The course was tough this time round due to the ongoing rains. I probably could have returned a better score than three-under-par, but I’m very happy to have retained the title,” said Karanga. “I checked the KAGC Order of Merit and realized I was number three, so I knew I had to do something this weekend, especially being the defending champion,” he added.
Finishing second was John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, who posted rounds of 75, 72, and 73 for a total score of 220 (+4). Lejirma’s consistent ball-striking and recovery play kept him in contention throughout the event.
Despite an up-and-down start in Round 1, marked by several bogeys, Lejirma steadied his game in Round 2 with birdies at the 1st, 9th, 11th, and 13th to finish level-par for the day. He began Round 3 on fire with birdies on the first three holes, later adding two more on the 11th and 16th.
However, his quest for the title was hampered by a double bogey on the 7th and bogeys at holes 8, 9, 10, and 15, ultimately earning him KES 69,400.
Tied for third at +9 (225) were Hetansh Shah (Sigona Golf Club), Naomi Wafula (Vipingo Ridge), and Joyce Njuguini (Kiambu Golf Club), each taking home KES 36,200.
Shah had a slow start with a first-round 80, struggling particularly on the back nine, but showed tremendous improvement with rounds of 74 and 71 on the second and third days respectively. His final round featured birdies on holes 6, 11, 15, and 16, and he remained bogey-free on the front nine. He only dropped shots on holes 14 (bogey) and 18 (double bogey).
Naomi Wafula, the 2023 Kiambu Open champion, delivered a solid defense of her title with rounds of 75, 76, and 74. Her final round was particularly composed, showing excellent short game control and avoiding major mistakes to finish a respectable two-over-par on the day.
Home favorite Joyce Njuguini was the epitome of consistency, carding identical rounds of 75 over all three days. Her deep familiarity with the Kiambu layout was evident as she displayed superb course management, grinding out pars and key birdies to stay competitive in a strong field.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Julius Mburu, NCBA Kiambu Branch Manager, said: “Our sponsorship of the Kiambu Open is part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting Kenyan sport and developing platforms where talent can thrive. This tournament is about more than just Order of Merit points or world rankings—it’s about nurturing ambition and creating opportunities for the next generation of champions.
“We’re also pleased to see regional representation from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. Golf is a unifying sport, and it’s exciting to see the East African community coming together through shared passion,” he added.
The three-day tournament, held at the 9-hole Kiambu Golf Club, brought together top amateur talent from across the region. The KAGC series continues from 23rd to 25th May 2025 with the Ronald Marshall & Toby Gibson Cup at Muthaiga Golf Club.
