PGK Captain C. J Wangai Pledges To Make Father Proud As Absa Bank Kenya Injects Sh65 Million Into 2026 Magical Kenya Open
Professional Golfers of Kenya captain CJ Wangai shows Director Mwihaki-Marketing & Corporate Affairs Wachira how to tee off when Absa Bank Kenya PLC announced a KES65 million investment into the 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) Golf Tournament at Karen Country Club on February 05, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]
By Erick Nzioka and Lopez Atieno
NAIROBI, Kenya- Absa Bank Kenya has committed Sh65 million towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO), assuring its place as the tournament’s presenting partner for the last 15years.
The 57th edition of the event will go down at Karen Golf and Country Club from February 19 to 22 2026, bringing together 144 golfers from around the world to compete for a Sh348.3 million prize on the DP World Tour.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Absa Bank Kenya CEO Abdi Mohamed said the bank’s continued backing of the tournament reflects its belief in the power of sport to tell stories of excellence while positioning Kenya on the global stage.
Part of the sponsorship to a tune of Sh40 million will go towards supporting the organization of the tournament, while the rest will cater for fan engagement and other activities around the event.
The last five MKO winners including reigning champion are expected to participate in this year’s world class golf tournament that is set for Karen.
This year’s field includes 10 Kenyan professionals and amateurs who will test themselves against top international players from 25 countries. Among those carrying the country’s hopes is C.J Wangai, who says expectations have shifted.
Speaking to www.Sportsdesk.co.ke reporters during the launch, Wangai said local players are no longer just looking to make up the numbers.
“We’ve moved from saying we just want to make the cut. Preparation this year has been intense. I myself I will be targeting a top 20 finish,” he said.
With only days to the tournament, Wangai explained that his focus is now on sharpening key areas of his game.
“The swing is already in place. Right now, it’s polishing up the short game and working on fitness. I’ve been playing at Karen a few times a week and doing the rest at my home course which is Sigona,” he said.
He heads into the tournament confident, especially with Karen hosting the event.
“It’s a scoring course for us. We know it well. A few weeks ago, I was about 14 under here. Of course, the tournament setup will be different, but it gives us strong confidence.”
Absa Bank Kenya CEO Abdi Mohamed (2nd Left) and Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira (Left) present the sponsorship cheque for Magical Kenya Open to Kenya Open Golf Limited Commercial Director Ronald Meru (Right) and Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Patrick Obath at Karen Country Club on February 05, 2026. The 57th edition of the Magical Kenya Open 2026 will tee off from 19th to 22nd February 2026 at the same venue. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]
The 2026 edition will also be special for Wangai, who will compete alongside his brother Samuel, one of the few Kenyan professionals in the field.“Qualifying is not easy. So having my brother in the field is a great feeling. I believe we can both put up a good show,” he said.
Beyond his personal ambitions, Wangai, who also serves as chairman of the Professional Golfers of Kenya, believes local players are better prepared this year after featuring in more than 15 events across the Equator and Sunshine Tours in the build-up.
He also welcomed the growing inclusion of women in professional golf, pointing to Naom Wafula’s participation in the Sunshine Tour in South Africa as a major step for the country.
“That’s a big milestone for us. There’s now a pathway. Young girls can see that turning professional is possible,” he said.
As the countdown to tee-off continues, attention now shifts to Karen Country Club, where Kenya’s finest will be chasing not just prize money, but a strong statement on home soil.
