-Kioko now set to represent the country at the2026 Lekoa Classic in South Africa after beating five qualifiers.
-And Cheruto Serem surprises colleagues by emerging the Queen in the same tournament Nyali series leg.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Machakos player Julius Kioko was all smiles after being crowned the 2025 King of the course ultimate winner during the grand finale of the 2025 ICEA LION King of the course golf tournament the concluded at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course in Mombasa County on Saturday.
Playing off handicap 19, Kioko carded a brilliant 40 stable ford points to emerge the overall winner of winners beating his five distinguished club qualifiers.
Kioko who is now set to represent the country at the 2026 Lekoa Classic in South Africa, was among the club qualifies that included Omar Swaleh (Nyali), Bernard Muthuku Mutua (Thika greens), Felicity Mativo (Ruiru), Purity Githui (Nanyuki) and Michael Kuto (Nandi Bears).
“It feels so electrifying to emerge victorious and I dedicate this win to my people of Machakos Club. It’s through your support that I was able to bring this trophy home including much prayers from my wife. It was not easy, having been low in the first nine, I placed my head up in the second nine and my game plan worked. I extend my appreciation to all and hope to bring more glory from South Africa next year, “said Kioko.
Handicap 26 Rishi Dodhia survived to claim the men runners up slot on count back score of 41 points after tying with third placed handicap 24 David Soars.
Rose Kinyanjui playing off handicap 26 carded a count back score of 39 points to claim the lady’s title, tying with handicap 30 Juliet Winja who was the runners up.
He best senior prize for those over 65 years went to handicap 42 Pervis Barnsley with 43 points and school boy Mwai Mariga playing off handicap 22 brought 29 points to emerge the junior winner.
ICEA LION staff winner’s prize on 41 points was won by handicap 6 Anthony Murage 37 points, as handicap 15 Paul Kyengo with 41 points and handicap 31 Emmaculate Rotich on 40 points emerged the Guest winner and runners up respectively.
Handicap 34 Dr. Omar Ramadhan played 39 points to win the high handicapper’s prize for Men and the same for the Ladies was claimed by handicap 39 Tabitha Mayende on 39 points.
Nyali Club Captain Omar Lewa thanked the organizers for bringing the tournament to the club, saying it continued to Strengthen regional engagement and Sports Leadership, further underscoring ICEA LION’s dedication to sports excellence and regional community engagement.
“Hosting this grand finale is an honor for Nyali and every one had a memorable experience both in and off the course, promising to make it more enjoyable next year, “said Lewa.
ICEA LION King of the Course Conveners’ Captain Joe Mboya who was also among a strong team of 50 players from Machakos said, “This tournament will continue to grow in prestige and participation each year. Our focus remains delivering a world-class golf experience while building a strong platform for sporting excellence.”
ICEA LION Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Philip Lopokoiyit thanked all the players for their participation in making the tournament successful, saying this was the ninth leg of the ICEA LION King of the Course tournament and the seventh edition of this celebrated series for this year.
“It has truly been an exceptional year, one that has brought together over 1,500 golfers across the Country. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the participating clubs across the country that have been part of this journey. You represent the communities and regions where many of our clients live and work, and your continued partnership has been instrumental in the growth, visibility and success of our series. We believe our success must also contribute to a sustainable future, “said Lopokoiyit.
He pointed out that the tournament is a regional representation with a true reflection of ICEA LION’s national footprint that continue its commitment to engaging and connecting with clients and communities across Kenya.
“Mombasa holds a special place in our story, it is here that ICEA LION first opened its doors in 1895, marking the beginning of a legacy built on trust, service and partnership. It is also fitting that this Grand Finale takes place in Kenya’s premier resort city, a place where we not only compete but also strengthen relationships and build bonds beyond business, ‘said Lopokoiyit.
He said that the Grand Prize this year is truly special where the winning team earns the opportunity to participate in the Lekoa Classic, a distinguished regional tournament that brings together leading businesspeople and professionals from Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa.
“This tournament is much more than a competition, it embodies what ICEA LION stands for connection, collaboration and community. It is, indeed, the ultimate expression of building bonds beyond business.Last year, we celebrated ICEA LION@60. It would appear that we’re continuing with the celebrations as once again, we are, in 2025, marking ILAM@4O. This significant achievement underscores our leadership in asset management and our unwavering focus on delivering value to investors across the region, “added Lopokoiyit.
“Once again, we have maintained our AAA(KE) GCR rating for the fourth consecutive year, for both ICEA LION Life Assurance and ICEA LION General Insurance. This recognition is a reflection of our financial strength, prudent risk management, and strategic foresight; a reassurance to our clients, partners, and stakeholders that their trust in us is well placed. At ICEA LION, we believe our success must also contribute to a sustainable future. Let us celebrate not just the victories on the course, but also the friendships, partnerships and shared aspirations that define the ICEA LION community,” said Lopokoiyit.
During the weekend the CEO led his team to Majaoni, Shanzu, Mombasa County where they planted 1000 mangrove seedlings as part of the conservation of marine and biodiversity efforts in the coastal region.
“We started our weekend in Majaoni, Shanzu where we planted 1000 mangrove. This initiative supports the Kenyan government’s efforts to increase national forest cover and is part of our broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, “noted Lopokoiyit.
On Friday ICEA LION hosted a Club Nite golf tournament at the Sea-Link Mombasa course where handicap 21 Irene Awuor emerged the overall winner on a count back score of 41 points, tying on the same score with handicap 24 Danson Mutero who was the Man winner.
This ICEA LION series is a tournament circuit in Kenya, with a 2025 series across the country played over monthly events that offered participants a chance to qualify for the final round, at Nyali where the overall winner was crowned.
Last year’s series overall coveted title was claimed by Nandi Bears Club’s John Agui and winners of previous legs have had opportunities to compete internationally, such as in South Africa.
ENDS.
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