Tennis star Angella Okutoyi. /FILE/HANDOUT
Kenya’s rising tennis star, Angella Okutoyi, has received a swift response from the government after publicly appealing for financial support to continue competing in international tournaments.
Youth Affairs and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the ministry is engaging the Tennis Federation of Kenya to ensure Okutoyi receives the support she needs ahead of her next tournament in May.
“Tennis has the power to open doors, transform lives and inspire our youth to dream beyond limitations. It builds discipline, resilience, and provides global opportunities for young people who dare to believe in their talent,” Mvurya said.
“I have received Angella Okutoyi’s appeal and spoken to Kenya Tennis Federation leadership. Angella is a remarkable Kenyan talent whose journey continues to inspire many young athletes across the country," Mvurya said.,
"As a ministry, we will explore immediate support options to ensure she is well prepared and financially supported. To Angella, continue raising the bar and flying Kenya’s flag high!” he added.
Okutoyi, 20, had earlier revealed that she is currently without sponsorship and struggling to meet the high costs of competing abroad.
In a video appeal, she urged individuals, corporates and sporting stakeholders to assist, while calling on Tennis Kenya to host bigger local tournaments to reduce her travel burden.
“I need money to travel—air tickets, accommodation, entry fees, coaching, equipment—it all adds up. Any support will mean a lot,” she said.
The rising star has already made history for Kenya. In 2022, she became the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title, claiming the girls’ doubles crown at Wimbledon, a milestone that put Kenya on the global tennis map.
She has since consistently performed in junior Grand Slam competitions and represented Kenya in major international tournaments.
Her recent form has been equally impressive. On January 14, 2026, she reached a career-high world ranking of 476 following back-to-back W35 tournament victories, claiming both singles and doubles titles and pocketing Sh1.4 million in prize money.
The three-time Kenya Open champion aims to break into the top 300 this year and is targeting qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Okutoyi is balancing her sporting ambitions with academics, pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree in business and sports coaching at Auburn University in Alabama, United States.
She plans to turn professional after completing her studies, marking a new chapter in her career.
Mvurya’s pledge underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing the financial and institutional backing necessary for Kenyan athletes to compete and succeed on the world stage.
For Okutoyi, the support could prove crucial in sustaining her momentum as she continues to make history for Kenyan tennis.
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