Government rewards golfer Kibugu after a stellar show at MKO

Kenya’s top golfer Njoroge Kibugu is five-million shillings richer after the government issued a cheque in honor 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 award presentation and closing ceremony of the MKO at Karen Country Golf Club on 22nd of February.

While presenting the cheque on Tuesday at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya stated that the monetary reward was a solid demonstration of president’s full commitment to promote talent and support the growth of sports.

Terming Kibugu as a 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.

“Njoroge has attracted a lot of attention internationally. Very soon, he will be joining the international tournament,” disclosed the CS.

The CS further said the presentation of the cheque was also a testament to government’s resolve to nurture and inspire talent in diverse sports discipline.

He gave the 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 in developing a comprehensive golfing curriculum for schools and other institution as part of nurturing young golfers to take up the game.

While receiving the cheque, Kibugu said 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 golfers, juniors and who are inspiring to play this professionally they can now see, if you put time and effort, it can be achieved,” he said.

Mr. Patrick Obath, the chair Kenya Golf Open, termed it as gratifying the government’s move to recognized and reward achievements in golfing sector. He added that the golfing fraternity was working on honing the skills of young golfers to ensure more talented players make the cut in future global tournaments.

The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Golf Kenya president Philip Ochola and senior officials from the sports department.