Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has named eight golfers that will fly the Kenyan flag at this year’s Africa Amateur Championship, set to take place at the historic Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in South Africa.
The continental championships set for February 4th to 7th for the third edition, the Africa Amateur Championship is one of the continent’s premier amateur golf events, bringing together Africa’s leading male amateur golfers to compete on a world-class stage under the stewardship of The R&A.
Historic Championship Venue Royal Johannesburg Golf Club was granted its “Royal” status by King George V in 1931 and is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most prestigious parkland golf courses. The championship will be contested on the club’s renowned East Course, a distinguished championship layout with a rich competitive heritage.
The East Course has previously hosted Africa’s top male and female amateur golfers and boasts an illustrious history of elite events, including ten South African Open Championships and the Joburg Open.
Kenya’s Team for the Championship is made up of John Lejirma (Royal, narobi), Elly Barno (Nandi Bears), Elvis Muigua (Kiambu), Adel Balala (Nyali) Daniel Kiragu (Muthaiga), Dennis Maara (Limuru) Michael Karanga (Kiambu) and Josphat Rono (Golf Park).
The selected squad reflects Kenya’s continued depth and competitiveness in elite amateur golf, developed through national competitive pathways including the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series.
In addition, the highest-ranked Kenyan player at the Africa Amateur Championship will qualify to participate in the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) as the sixth Kenyan representative, further strengthening the pathway from amateur golf to elite international competition.
Since John Lejirma and Michael Karanga have already secured MKO places via national championships, the MKO qualification will go to the highest-ranked player among the remaining six Kenyan contenders at the Africa Amateur Championship.
This approach rewards outstanding continental performance while maintaining fairness within the national selection framework.
The Africa Amateur Championship provides a direct pathway to the global stage. The winner of the championship will earn exemptions into: The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, and The Amateur Championship 2026 Both championships are organized by The R&A, the global governing body for golf outside the United States and Mexico.