Kisia joins fray as KOGL name 12-man squad for Magical Kenya Open

Mike Kisia has been included in the final Team Kenya of 12 for the 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open, completing what officials believe is one of the country’s strongest line-ups in recent years.

The announcement was made on Monday morning at Karen Country Club, which will host the February 19–22 contest.

Kisia’s inclusion rounds off a squad drawn from seasoned professionals, elite amateurs and emerging talents. His call-up comes after Kenya initially submitted 10 names to the tour, with additional reserve slots allowing the selectors to strengthen the final list.

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Officials expressed confidence that the expanded competitive exposure Kenyan golfers have enjoyed this season could translate into improved results on home soil.

“This season the players have enjoyed far greater competitive exposure compared to previous years,” said Patrick Obath, chairman of Kenya Open Golf Limited. “I see no reason why three or four Kenyan players should not make the cut this year. If they don’t, I honestly won’t know what to tell them.”

Members of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) have competed consistently on the regional circuit, featuring in events such as the Equator Tour and the Sunshine Development Tour. That steady run of tournaments has sharpened match fitness and raised expectations heading into the Karen showdown.

Kenya will field the largest national contingent at this year’s tournament, with 18 players — 12 professionals and six amateurs. South Africa follows with 17 entrants, led by defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk.

The championship boasts a full field of 144 players from more than 30 countries, including five past winners and six top-ranked players from the United States’ PGA Tour, underscoring its stature on the global calendar.

For Kisia, the inclusion presents an opportunity to make a statement against elite international opposition on familiar fairways.

Meanwhile, the MKO has received a Sh10 million sponsorship boost from Safaricom.

Out of the total package, Sh1 million will support the “Beat the Pro” challenge, an initiative that gives junior golfers a chance to compete against professionals.

Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi said, “Out of the Sh10 million that we have sponsored, Sh1 million will go towards the ‘Beat the Pro’ tournament, where we will allow junior golfers to go head-to-head with professional players. We believe this will help sharpen their skills and build the game from the grassroots."

Each winning junior will receive Sh50,000 in seed capital deposited into their Ziidi investment accounts to encourage early financial literacy.

“This sponsorship goes a long way in strengthening the tournament and supporting young talent through initiatives like ‘Beat the Pro’,” said Obath.

Elsewhere, Titleist has also supported the event by providing 6,000 practice golf balls valued at Sh2.5 million ahead of the championship.

The Kenyan squad:

1. Greg Snow

2. Samuel Chege

3. David Wakhu

4. Njoroge Kibugu

5. Dismas Indiza

6. Mutahi Kibugu

7. Daniel Nduva

8. Edwin Mudanyi (Captain)