President Ruto finally honours his Ksh5 million pledge to golf sensation Kibugu
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 17.03.26. | 16:10
Mvurya says the government and the golfing fraternity in Kenya are working on developing a comprehensive golfing curriculum for schools and other institution as part of nurturing young golfers to take up the game
Kenya’s top golfer, Njoroge Kibugu, is Ksh5 million richer after the government issued a cheque in honour of his phenomenal performance at the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) golfing tournament in February.
The five-million bonanza is a fulfilment of the pledge made to the young golfer by President William Ruto during this year's award presentation and closing ceremony of the MKO at Karen Country Golf Club on Sunday, 22 February.
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While presenting the cheque on Tuesday, 17 March at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, said the monetary reward was a solid demonstration of the president’s full commitment to promoting talent and supporting the growth of sports.
Terming Kibugu as Kenya’s golfing hero, the CS acknowledged the young golfer’s skills, talent and dedication and termed them as traits that are inspiring the next generation of golfers.
He added that already, Kibugu’s stellar showing at MKO is attracting a lot of global attention, where he will be participating in international golfing tournaments.
I have formally awarded Njoroge Kibugu the Ksh. 5 million prize money in recognition of his outstanding performance at the Magical Kenya Open, following the directive of H.E. President William Ruto.
— H.E Salim_Mvurya, EGH. (@Waziri_Mvurya) March 17, 2026
Kibuga’s remarkable showing at one of Africa’s premier international golf… pic.twitter.com/MbLmpW5XTB
The CS further said the presentation of the cheque was also a testament to the government’s resolve to nurture and inspire talent in diverse sports disciplines.
Mvurya gave assurance that the ministry would collaborate with federations and sports stakeholders to uplift talent and make it a source of livelihood.
The CS said the government and the golfing fraternity in Kenya are working on developing a comprehensive golfing curriculum for schools and other institutions as part of nurturing young golfers to take up the game.
Meanwhile, Kibugu says the award was an inspiration to other golfers and proof that investing time, skills and resources in training was rewarding.
He further noted that the government’s support to growth and development of golfing in Kenya was a significant step towards creating a new generation of golfing champions.
“This is a great move, not just for me but for the rest of the golfers, and juniors who are aspiring to play this professionally. They can now see, if you put time and effort, it can be achieved,” he said.
