The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is making another strategic push into sports tourism by supporting the expansion of the Sunshine Development Tour golf series, which will be hosted across various regions in the country.
Dubbed the East Africa Swing, the tour began on Monday at the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort in Naivasha.
It aims to showcase Kenya’s golf courses and tourism potential, driving further growth of the sport locally.
For more than five years, KTB has leveraged the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) and other international golf events to market Kenya as a premier destination.
During a courtesy call by Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt to KTB offices, KTB CEO June Chepkemei expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to establish itself as a top golfing hub in Africa.
She highlighted the country’s exceptional golf courses, favorable climate, and unique safari experiences as key advantages.
“Kenya has all the essential elements to compete with leading golf destinations across Africa. The expansion of the Sunshine Tour into East Africa is a significant milestone, offering invaluable exposure for Kenya as a golf and leisure destination,” Chepkemei said.
“This initiative will attract a new wave of visitors eager to combine golf with our world-renowned safari adventures, business engagements, and other tourism experiences.”
The tour will feature between 10 and 15 events annually across Kenya and neighboring countries, drawing elite professional and amateur players from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
According to Chepkemei, this expansion underscores Kenya’s leadership in regional golf and further cements its reputation as a premier sports tourism hub.
“We expect this tour to generate significant economic opportunities for our hospitality sector, local businesses, and communities, as has been the case with other international golf events hosted in Kenya, such as the Magical Kenya Open,” she added.
“Additionally, hosting an event of this caliber will open doors for more East Africans to experience the magic of Kenya, fostering regional integration and economic growth.”
Thomas Abt lauded KTB’s partnership and Kenya’s suitability as the hub for the Sunshine Tour’s new expansion.
“We are excited to bring the Sunshine Tour to Kenya and to announce this partnership with KTB. Kenya is a fantastic destination and a great stepping stone for our players to achieve global success,” said Abt.
The qualifying event at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort will offer a lucrative KSh1 million prize purse.
Golfers completing the four-round qualifier will earn tour cards for the 2025/26 season.
The top 10 qualifiers will also receive invitations to the Sunshine Tour Final Stage Qualifier in Johannesburg, scheduled for April 8–11, 2025.
Additionally, the tour will award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, crucial for player advancement, providing local professional golfers with a genuine merit-based pathway to global competition.
Beyond the on-course action, highlights of each day’s play will be broadcast on the SuperSport Golf Channel and local TV networks, ensuring Kenya’s golfing assets are showcased to regional and global audiences.
This exposure will not only promote the country as a golfing hotspot but also reinforce its position as a leading tourism and sporting destination in Africa.