Absa Bank Kenya marketing and corporate affairs director Mwihaki Wachira awards Sirikwa Classic men's 10k runner-up Amos Kirpotich/FILE

ABSA Bank Kenya is set to deepen its footprint in Kenyan sport through an expanded golf portfolio, with a renewed focus on talent pathways and grassroots development.

The bank has confirmed that beyond its long-standing support of the Magical Kenya Open golf tournament, they will now strengthen its backing of the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) as a feeder system into elite competition.
The move is aimed at creating clearer progression routes for emerging golfers while broadening opportunities within the sport.
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Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira said: “As compared to previous years where it was just the Magical Kenya Open in February, we are going back with the SDT Tour as a pathway into the next Magical Kenya Open."
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“You’ll see a number of golf series, a number of events coming through between now and December so that it creates the pathway and we are able to see very clearly who are the people that get selected for the Magical Kenya Open," Mwihaki said.
The expansion in golf comes alongside the introduction of city runs, a new initiative targeting Kenya’s growing leisure running culture. Through the programme, Absa seeks to connect with everyday runners while also creating competitive opportunities for the elites.
Athletics Kenya will be a partner in the city runs, ensuring performances can be officially recognised for athletes pursuing higher-level competition.
“This year, we bring 35 million shillings towards the Absa Kip Keino Classic itself, of which 27 million goes to Athletics Kenya and eight million goes towards grassroots development,” she said of the Kip Keino Classic.
The funding enables Athletics Kenya to stage youth races during the event, creating opportunities for emerging athletes to compete on a major stage.
Their support extends beyond competition into financial literacy, ensuring athletes are equipped to manage their earnings and secure long-term futures.