For the fourth year in a row, Team Kenya reaffirmed their regional dominance after edging Uganda by two shots to retain the Africa Region IV Golf Championship title that came to an end yesterday in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The three-day event was staged at the par-71 Golf du Rova course, saw Kenya’s victory that was anchored by standout displays from captain and Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) leader John Lejirma, who topped the field with an impressive 4-under-par, leading from start to finish.
Elvis Muigua closed at +5, Michael Karanga posted +6, while Junaid Ayaz Manji, making his senior regional debut, returned a commendable +8.
The 18th-hole layout proved favourable for Lejirma, who opened his campaign on Thursday with a 1-under 70, followed by a brilliant 3-under 68 on Friday, before wrapping up the tournament with a level-par round on Saturday.
Under stroke-play rules, each country tallies its best three scores per round. Muigua emerged as Kenya’s best performer overall with a total of 218 after returning rounds of 72, 70, and 76. Reigning KAGC champion Karanga followed closely on 219 (73, 76, 70), with Manji finishing on 221 (73, 72, 76).
Kenya sealed the championship with a team total of 642, narrowly beating Uganda on 644. Hosts Madagascar placed third with 660, while Ethiopia finished fourth on 744.
The Ugandan team featured Joseph Kasozi, Joseph Regan Akena, Antony Otukei, and Godfrey Kambale. Kasozi, well known on Kenyan soil through the KAGC series, was Uganda’s best finisher and second overall on the leaderboard with an even-par 213 (74, 68, 71). Akena followed on 215 (75, 68, 71), Otukei carded 216 (70, 74, 72), while Kambale closed on 228 (79, 77, 72).
Kenya’s triumph continues a trend of regional excellence. The team also won the title last year in Kigali, Rwanda, where Karanga, then leading the KAGC series, powered the squad to retain the crown first reclaimed in 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a significant moment for the national team, captain Lejirma officially handed over leadership to Elvis Muigua, who will now steer the side going forward. In a symbolic ceremony, Lejirma presented Muigua with the Kenyan flag, marking a smooth and respectful transition. Karanga and Manji congratulated the new captain, praising his growth, consistency, and readiness to lead.