Rwandan golfer Jean D’Amour Hitayezu will arrive at the NCBA Kisii Open, popularly known as the Shabana Trophy, as one of the leading contenders after claiming victory at the NCBA Manchester Salver in Eldoret last weekend.
The tournament, scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Kisii Sports Club, will bring together 61 golfers competing for a share of the KSh 500,000 prize pool and valuable Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Order of Merit points.
Hitayezu Heads to Kisii After Manchester Salver Triumph
Hitayezu heads into the competition in confident form after beating compatriot Jacques Byiringiro by three shots at Eldoret Club.
The Rwandan finished the tournament at one-under-par, while Byiringiro settled for two-over-par.
His latest victory puts him among the golfers expected to challenge for the Shabana Trophy as the regional competition gets underway.
John Kamaisi and Elvis Muigua Lead Kenyan Challenge
Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi will be another major contender in Kisii.
Currently ranked second in the 2026 KAGC Player Rankings, Kamaisi has enjoyed an impressive season, winning both the NCBA Kiambu Open and NCBA Kabete Open.
Elvis Muigua of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club will also be seeking another victory. Ranked third in the KAGC standings, Muigua has already won two events this season, including the NCBA Railway Invitation.
Other notable competitors include Eugine Wafula, ranked fifth in the KAGC standings, as well as Felix Dusabe and Jacques Byiringiro of Limuru Country Club.
The field also features Amos Odongo and Elly Limo of Golf Park Golf Club, Isaac Makokha of Kenya Railway Golf Club and Kevin Anyien of Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Host-club hopes will rest partly on Geoffrey Karioki, currently ranked 24th in the KAGC Order of Merit, as he looks to deliver a strong performance on home ground.
Nandi Bears to Host Final NCBA Grand Finale Qualifier
Away from Kisii, golfers will have another opportunity to secure places in the 2026 NCBA Grand Finale during a mini-qualifying competition at Nandi Bears Club this Saturday.
The event will take place alongside the club’s monthly mug and will serve as the final qualifying opportunity before the Grand Finale, scheduled for November 28 at Karen Country Club.
More than 100 golfers are expected to compete for seven qualifying positions.
The available slots will go to the Overall Gross Winner, Men’s Gross Winner, Lady Gross Winner, Division Two Men’s Winner, Division Two Lady’s Winner, Division Three Winner and the leading junior golfer.
Kitale Hosts NCBA North Rift Junior Open
Meanwhile, junior golfers will take to the course at Kitale Golf Club for the NCBA North Rift Junior Open.
The tournament will begin on Friday and run through Sunday, providing another competitive opportunity for young golfers in the North Rift region.
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