Kibugu promised millions by President Ruto after impressive show at Kenya Open
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 23.02.26. | 07:27
The 22-year-old signed off in style on Sunday, hitting five birdies for a final round of 65
President William Ruto, on Sunday, 22 February, rewarded Kenyan golfer Njoroge Kibugu with a Ksh 5 million cash prize, following his brilliant show at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open at Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
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Ruto, who was present during the final day of the DP World Tour leg, instructed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to hand over the award to the 22-year-old, saying that the gesture would serve as “an inspiration to the rest.”
President @WilliamsRuto - Njoroge Kibugu congratulations, you have made us proud pic.twitter.com/VD1BIjt28q
— Boni Manyala (@BoniManyala) February 22, 2026
The statement came moments after Njoroge had wrapped up his best round of golf at this year’s tournament, hitting five birdies on a seamless day on Sunday to finish on a total score of 6 under par in 61st place overall.
The highest-ranked Kenyan at the home Open on all four days gripped the hearts of Kenyans and accomplished one of his dreams of making the cut as a pro in an unforgettable display on Friday, 20 February.
Needing a birdie to make the weekend run-in, Kibugu unleashed one of the moments of the tournament by hitting an eagle on hole 18, causing huge celebrations from the crowd and his loved ones.
Also, thanks to his performance, Absa Bank Kenya, who were sponsoring the event, awarded Kibugu an additional Ksh 2 million, to go together with his tournament prize money of 7560 USD (Ksh 972,315).
ABSA Bank Kenya Board Chairman Mohammed Nyaoga and MD Abdi Mohammed were among the members present on Sunday to present the award to Kibugu, who will this year be competing on the Sunshine Development Tour in South Africa, having been crowned the Order of Merit champion of the inaugural East Africa Swing last month.
The top prize for this year’s Kenya Open went to South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, who on the final day held off his challengers and braved two stoppages of play to finish 25 under after a score of 62.
