The 2026 NCBA Golf Series got underway on Thursday at Karen Country Club, KES 60 million investment release to support the growth of the sport and the raising of future champions.
Now in its sixth year, the NCBA Golf Series has grown to be the only largest and most consistent corporate, supported golf programme in the region covering Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Building Back Stronger Golf Across East Africa
In 2026, there will be 166 NCBA, sponsored golf tournaments held in the four countries as compared to 164 in 2025. Kenya tops the list with 123, Uganda 35, Tanzania five, and Rwanda three.
In Kenya alone, there will be 35 NCBA Golf Series outings, including 13 main qualifiers, 14 Mugs and two Club Nites. In line with the expansion of the NCBA brand, Uganda will host three events, Rwanda two, and Tanzania one, respectively.
The series will officially open its first leg at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on January 31, 2026, and then the clubs around the region will be visited.
KES 60 Million Commitment to Golf Growth
During the launch, NCBA declared the continuation of its partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) with a pledge of more than KES 60 million for golf development initiatives in 2026.
According to the extended contract, Kenya Golf Union is set to get KES 6 million towards the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, which commenced with the NCBA Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club. The money will be used to raise the level of competition and encourage amateur golfers by offering better prizes.
The Junior Golf Foundation will be awarded KES 12 million to organize junior competitions during the year, emphasizing on discovering new players, developing their talents and providing golf facilities to young players throughout the region.
Junior Golf Continues to be at the Core of the Series
NCBA Golf 2026 Series puts a strong emphasis on junior golf where 90 out of the total 166 events are meant for junior tournaments. The allocation of junior events is 49 in Kenya, 32 in Uganda, 4 in Tanzania and 1 in Rwanda.
This is the second time Rwanda is hosting a junior golf tournament under the NCBA brand after their first appearance in 2025 which is a demonstration of the expansion of junior golf development activities in the region.
The Junior Golf Foundation, Kenya event calendar will start with NCBA U. S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour on February 8, 2026, at VetLab Sports Club.
NCBA Sets New Long, Term Goals for Golf
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora stated during the launch that the series is more than just competition. It is about creating communities and developing talents at different levels.
“Our yearly contribution of more than KES 60 million is not just a number; it represents the lives impacted, ambitions set, and a heritage of excellence that we are proud to foster.” said Gachora.
He further explained that NCBA is still very much into junior golf. He also mentioned that the young players have gradually demonstrated their aptitude by being very competitive even against amateurs, a trend that the bank wishes to see going on.
Stakeholders Praise the Banks Support
Kenya Golf Union Chairman Chris Kinuthia expressed himself very positively about NCBAs decision to come back as a partner.
He said that the money has helped a lot to raise the level of competition of amateur golf in Kenya.
“When we have such partnerships, amateurs have something significant to play for. The prize money is a great motivation and helps in the growth of the sport.” said Kinuthia.
Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri termed the partnership as having a great impact. He said that it has provided a clear route to progress for young golfers across East Africa.
“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.”
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series will undoubtedly be a milestone event in the development of golf in East Africa as it combines wider coverage of the region, increased strong financial support, and a clear focus on junior program development.