GOLF-Magical Kenya Open (MKO) 2023 receives Support of KSH.11 Million from Safaricom;

-KGU also unveiled The Six Kenyan amateurs taking part in this year’s MKO tournament who also Received Support from Safaricom;

-Event Scheduled for Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th March, 2023 at the Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi, Kenya;

GOLFNEWSLINKS;

Giant Telecommunication house, Safaricom (NSE: SCOM)  has today Saturday,04^th,March,2023 committed KES 11 million sponsorship for the forthcoming  2023 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship taking place  from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th March at the Muthaiga Golf Club Course in the Capital City Nairobi, Kenya.

The fund includes a fully kitted Media Centre, Internet connectivity, and Communications support in the form of devices and airtime.

As the official Technology partner, Safaricom will provide a fully kitted media center and Internet connectivity in key functional areas, as well as devices and airtime for communication support.

Safaricom Chief Executive Office Peter Ndegwa said they are once again proud to be sponsoring the Magical Kenya Open after successfully taking part in the event last year.

“Sports sponsorship remains an important area for us because of its ability to uplift and transform lives. Over the last eight years, with the exception of 2019, Safaricom has delivered first class Internet and data solutions to support the media and enable livestreaming of the event across local and global channels,” said Ndegwa.

Ndegwa further said that as part of its commitment to support sporting talent in the country, Safaricom will also provide additional financial support of KES 1.2 million to the six participating Kenyan players.

During the presentation of the Cheque ceremony, Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Vice Chairman and Tournament Director Philip Ochola led his Union Officials in unveiling the names of the six Kenyan Amateurs that included Njoroge Kibugu, Daniel Kiragu, John Lejirma, Adel Balala, Jay Sandhu, and Dennis Mara.

This year’s edition has attracted over 156 golfers from across the World, including 8 Kenyan professionals (pros) and 6 Amateurs all vying  for the total prize money   that stands at KES 249 million ($2 million).

Magical Kenya Open Tournament Director Patrick Obath said Safaricom has for long been one of the event’s major partners.

“This year we are equally proud to have them on board as one of our key Internet providers to support the media and enable fans to live stream the tournament. Last year, we were treated to a thrilling performance by Njoroge Kibugu who raised the Kenyan flag high, and we hope this year it will be no different as we expect an excellent performance from team Kenya,” said  Obath.

Among the key international golfers set to participate in the tournament is defending champion, Ashun Wu from China, who is confident of retaining his title after last year’s stellar performance, which saw him pick up his fourth DP World Tour win by 4 strokes.

The 2023 Magical Kenya Open is part of the DP World Tour and comes barely one week after Hero Indian Open.

It also marks the second time the European Tour has been held at the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club.

Besides the Kenya Open, Safaricom also sponsored the Magical Kenya Ladies golf tournaments held in February this year at Vipingo Baobab Ridge Golf Course in Kilifi County.

Last year, the telco launched it golf series dubbed Safaricom Golf Tour with the aim of nurturing and growing new talent in the sport across the Country.

ENDS;