Kenya’s rising tennis star Angella Okutoyi has made an emotional appeal for financial support as she seeks to take the next step in her professional career.
The 21-year-old, who has already etched her name in history as the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title, after clinching the girls’ doubles crown at Wimbledon 2022, says she is currently competing without any sponsorship.
Okutoyi is also a gold medallist in women’s singles at the African Games, achievements that have placed her firmly on the global tennis map.
Despite her growing reputation, the young athlete revealed that financial constraints remain a major hurdle in her journey.
“I don’t have sponsorship as of now ,but any kind of support mainly financially just to be able to travel and just to play this various tournament”, she says.
Okutoyi also called on corporate organisations to support the hosting of more high-level tennis events locally, noting that this would significantly reduce the financial strain associated with competing abroad.
Explaining the realities of life as a professional tennis player, she laid bare the costs involved in sustaining her career.
“I need a flight ticket and when I get there I need a place to stay and I also need to string my rackets. I also need to pay entry fee to be able to play the tournament. And also I need to buy balls , I need to buy water and small things.I need to pay a coach and gym . It’s a lot of cost,” she explains.
She appealed to anyone willing to intervene, including corporate bodies and individuals, to invest in her career and help her continue representing Kenya on the international stage.
“I need money to travel anyone whos out there , Safaricom , britam like anyone who’s out there willing I will be grateful” she says.
Born in January 2004, Okutoyi has already achieved a string of historic milestones. She is the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title, the first to win a match in a Grand Slam junior singles event, and the first to claim an ITF World Tennis Tour singles title. She also won gold in women’s singles at the 2024 African Games and represents Kenya at the Billie Jean King Cup.
A scholarship to Auburn University in the United States has enabled her to balance academics and sport. However, she continues to appeal for financial backing to sustain her professional career.
Angella Okutoyi’s achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes and cemented her status as one of Kenya’s brightest tennis prospects