Maiyo wins inaugural KAM golf tournament

Rwandair Country Manager Betty Ingabire (left) and Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chairman Rajan Shah (right) present a return air ticket to KAM Golf tournament overall winner Kipkemboi Maiyo at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club on February 16, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Rookie Kipkemboi Maiyo is the overall winner of the inaugural Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) golf tournament played at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club on Friday.

Maiyo, a member of Nakuru Golf Club, playing off handicap 28, returned an unheard-of score of 49 stableford points to triumph during the meet presented by Rwandair, The Standard Group Limited Plc, Lake Nakuru Lodges, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Safaricom Limited, Car and General, and Haco Industries among other sponsors.

Maiyo's easy play saw him hit the fairways to avoid the mistakes that would have cost him vital strokes by hitting the greens on regulation throughout his round of 18 to collect eight pars, ten bogeys and two double-bogeys, which were enough for him to secure the winning score.

"On how I won, it's because I played alongside great company under beautiful weather, spiced up by lots of good luck," Maiyo said in his speech.

He won a return air ticket to Kigali courtesy of the main sponsors, Rwandair, the Rwandese national carrier, who have been making inroads into the East African airways.

Speaking on behalf of the association members during the presentation gala, NCBA MD John Gachora highlighted the need for KAM to continue supporting the most vital aspect of job creation in manufacturing industry.

His sentiments were echoed by KAM Chairman Rajan Shah, who said: "Together with its membership, we are committed to driving the manufacturing sector contribution to GDP from 7% to 20 % by 2030 through the manufacturing 20 by 30 strategy."

The presentation gala was graced by Central Bank of Kenya Chairman Andrew Musangi, KAM's management board and other dignitaries.

Coming in second as Men winner second was RM Kinyua playing off handicap 16 on a commendable score of 42 stableford points.

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) CEO Jane Karuku led by example emerging as the Lady winner on a compact score of 40 stableford points.

Taking after her was Phyllis Ndiangui as Lady winner second on a score of 38 stableford points playing off handicap 45.

In the Nines, CN RIBUI brought back 24 stableford points to take the Front Nine prize as Patrick Ciano won the Back Nine prize on a score of 23 stableford points.

Hitting his shot, the furthest to claim the Longest Drive Men winner prize was Carl Wambasi while Phyllis Ndiangui made it to the podium twice after bagging the Longest Drive Lady winner prize.

Vimal Ranpura won the Nearest to Pin Men prize while Jane Karuku was double lucky winning the Nearest to Pin Lady winner prize. Liz Mbithi was the Best Effort winner.