The 2026 National Commercial Bank of Africa (NCBA) Golf Series launched on Thursday, January 15 at Karen Country Club, signaling the beginning of another exciting season of competitive golf across East Africa.
The bank has pledged over KSh60 million to support golf development initiatives throughout Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
NCBA announced the renewal of key partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation as part of the launch.
KGU will receive KSh6 million to support the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series, which began on Thursday with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club. Meanwhile, the Junior Golf Foundation has been allocated KSh12 million to nurture young talent and expand access to the sport.
The 2026 calendar features an impressive 166 events across the four countries, up from 164 events in 2025.
Kenya will host 123 events, Uganda 35, Tanzania five, and Rwanda three. Of these, 90 will be junior tournaments, with Kenya hosting 49, Uganda 32, Tanzania four, and Rwanda one. This marks Rwanda’s second time hosting a junior event under the NCBA umbrella.
In Kenya alone, 35 events are scheduled, including 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs, and two Club Nites. The series begins with the first leg at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on January 31, 2026, and will culminate with the Grand Finale on November 27, 2026, back at Karen Country Club.
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora emphasized the bank’s commitment to the sport, stating that their investment reflects lives touched and dreams ignited through golf.
“We are excited to launch the 2026 NCBA Golf Series. Each event is targeted at club members and customers, juniors, amateurs, and professionals and offers a platform for competition, friendship, and personal growth, reinforcing the values that bind us together as a community. Our annual investment of over KES 60 million is not just a statistic; it reflects on lives touched, dreams ignited, and a legacy of excellence we are proud to nurture,” Gachora said.
He highlighted the importance of junior golf development, noting that last year saw young players successfully competing against amateur golfers.
KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia expressed gratitude for NCBA’s continued partnership, praising the competitive nature of last year’s championship series and the motivation that prize money provides to amateur golfers. He emphasized the shared commitment to nurturing talent and promoting golf’s growth across the region.
“As the Kenya Golf Union, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the NCBA Group for our 2026 activities. Last year, we had one of the most competitive Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series. When we have such partnerships, the amateurs have something to play for because the prize money is a good motivation. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to nurturing golfing talent and promoting the sport’s growth in Kenya and beyond. We look forward to a competitive and exciting season ahead,” he said.
JGF President Vincent Mukiri credited NCBA with revolutionizing junior golf development in East Africa, providing vital competitive platforms and pathways for young golfers to advance their careers.
He noted that the expansion of junior tournaments to Rwanda demonstrates the bank’s dedication to elevating golf throughout the region.
“This partnership has revolutionized junior golf development across Kenya and East Africa. It provides young golfers with vital competitive platforms, skill-building opportunities, and pathways for growth. When the juniors see a clear pathway being created through the different levels just as NCBA is doing, they want to go up the levels and turn pros because they have something to look up to. Expanding junior tournaments to Rwanda and scaling events regionally demonstrates unwavering commitment to elevating golf throughout East Africa,” Vincent stated.
The junior golf calendar will begin with the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on February 8, 2026, at VetLab Sports Club.
