Absa Bank Kenya CEO Abdi Mohamed (2nd Right) and Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira (Centre) present the sponsorship cheque for Magical Kenya Open Presented by Absa 2026 to Kenya Open Golf Limited Commercial Director Ronald Meru, State Department of Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki and Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Patrick Obath.
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, January 5, 2026 – Absa Bank Kenya has committed KES 65 million to the 2026 Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament, reinforcing its role as the presenting partner and the event’s largest private sector sponsor for the 15th consecutive year. The 57th edition of the tournament will be held from February 19 to 22, 2026, at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
Of the total investment, KES 40 million will go directly to the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to support tournament organisation. Meanwhile, KES 25 million will be channelled towards marketing activities and enhancing experiences for players, fans, customers and partners. Through this sponsorship, Absa continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to sports development, tourism promotion and positioning Kenya on the global sporting stage.
Speaking during the announcement, Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed said the bank’s sustained support for sports reflects its broader purpose of celebrating excellence and impact beyond competition.
“At Absa, our purpose is empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time. Sports give us a platform to celebrate resilience, discipline and possibility. By supporting the Magical Kenya Open, we are not just backing a golf tournament, but walking the journey with players, communities and the wider sports ecosystem while showcasing Brand Kenya to the world,” Mohamed said.
The Magical Kenya Open is part of the prestigious DP World Tour and remains one of Africa’s leading golf tournaments. Each year, it attracts elite international players, extensive global media coverage and millions of golf enthusiasts locally and abroad. As a result, the event continues to play a key role in positioning Kenya as a premium sports and tourism destination.
State Department for Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki noted that Absa’s long-term involvement has helped elevate the tournament’s global standing while unlocking broader economic value for the country.
“For more than 15 years, Absa’s sponsorship has firmly positioned the bank as the largest corporate supporter of the Magical Kenya Open. This partnership has enhanced Kenya’s global golfing profile and strengthened its reputation as a top tourism destination, proving that sport can be a powerful driver of economic growth,” Achoki said.
KOGL Chairman Patrick Obath also welcomed Absa’s continued support, emphasising the importance of strong public-private partnerships in sustaining world-class sporting events in Kenya.
“For 15 years, Absa Bank has consistently supported this tournament, transforming it into one of Kenya’s most prestigious sports tourism events. Private sector sponsorship not only strengthens our capacity to host globally competitive tournaments, but also showcases Kenya’s strengths in infrastructure, hospitality, national pride and sporting excellence,” Obath said.
He added that the tournament has evolved from an elitist event into an inclusive family and lifestyle experience, supported by partners committed to global standards and local talent development.
This year’s Magical Kenya Open has attracted a strong field of 144 golfers from around the world, including 10 professional and amateur players representing Kenya, as well as the past five tournament winners. The competitors will battle over four rounds for a total prize purse of KES 348.3 million (USD 5 million). Kenyan professionals in the field include Njoroge Kibugu, Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow, who will face off against players from 25 countries.
As part of its sponsorship, Absa will also support the “Beat the Pro” challenge, where junior golfers compete alongside professionals at a selected hole to land closest to the pin. Each junior winner will receive a fully funded Absa Junior Account worth KES 50,000, underscoring the bank’s focus on early financial inclusion and nurturing young talent.
“Beyond the game, golf represents patience, discipline and long-term commitment. By consistently investing in the Magical Kenya Open, we are backing our local players to compete on the world stage and affirming that local stories truly matter, even on a global podium,” Mohamed added.
