Under the vibrant September sun, the NCBA Golf Series is transforming Kenya’s premier golf courses into platforms for sustainability, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.
Launched in 2021, this flagship initiative by NCBA Group aligns with its “Change The Story” sustainability agenda, unveiled in 2023, to foster environmental regeneration, economic empowerment, social equity, governance excellence, and innovative finance.
The series, now in its 2025 edition, is more than a sporting event, it’s a strategic driver of NCBA’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive Kenya. The NCBA Golf Series, spanning over 18 clubs nationwide, engages over 1,000 amateur players annually, culminating in a Grand Finale in December.
Beyond the leaderboard, the series integrates NCBA’s sustainability goals. A key component is the NCBA Junior Golf Series, partnered with the Junior Golf Foundation of Kenya and US Kids Golf.
This initiative nurtures young talent from 27 schools, with events like the May 16, 2025, Interschool Tournament at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, hosting 168 juniors. By channelling 30% of its procurement spend to youth- and women-led ventures, the bank fosters economic empowerment through golf.
Environmentally, the series supports NCBA’s tree-planting efforts under “Change The Story,” contributing to Kenya’s goal of 10% forest cover. At Royal Nairobi Golf Club, NCBA Group Director for Corporate Banking, Tirus Mwithiga, emphasised, “We wouldn’t enjoy golf if the environment degraded. It’s almost the best that nature can offer. And so we are committed to continuing to execute that.” Post-tournament tree-planting and donations to clubs reflect this ethos.
The group’s broader green commitments include mobilising KES 30 billion in sustainable financing by 2027, eliminating single-use plastics by 2030, and recycling 100% of waste. “We use recyclable water bottles in our offices and also investing in making our branches more energy efficient as part of our commitment,” said Mwithiga
The bank’s Sh2 billion electric vehicle financing initiative also supports EV charging stations at venues like Mombasa Golf Club, host of the 105th NCBA Coast Open – Barry Cup in July 2025. Inclusion is central to the series.
Originally a club-focused event, it now embraces elite amateurs and professional golfers, offering opportunities to young caddies and players from diverse backgrounds. “Golf is often seen as exclusive, but we’re making it inclusive,” Mwithiga noted. Each event, like the upcoming one at Nanyuki Sports Club, creates jobs for caddies and boosts local economies through club subscriptions and services.
Partnerships, like the USD 50 million Proparco facility, further green finance and SME growth, with golf events serving as networking hubs for women-led businesses.
NCBA Golf Series stands as a testament to blending sport with purpose, empowering youth, greening fairways, and driving Kenya toward a sustainable future.