Karanga claims victory at 2025 NCBA Kiambu Open
His composure and precision throughout the course made the difference as he surged ahead to secure the win
Michael Karanga delivered a spectacular final-round performance to clinch the 2025 NCBA Kiambu Open title, finishing three-under-par with a total score of 214 (73, 72, 69) over three rounds at the par-72 Kiambu Golf Club course. His win earned him the top prize of Ksh 115,600.
Coming into the final day leading by two shots, Karanga’s final-round 69, the lowest of the tournament, cemented his dominance on the leaderboard. His composure and precision throughout the course made the difference as he surged ahead to secure the win. He carded birdies on holes 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17, only dropping shots at holes 4, 5, 14, and 18.
With the win, the Ndumberi Golf Club player earned 230 KAGC (Kenya Amateur Golf Championship) Order of Merit points, climbing to second place overall with 723 points, just 72 points behind long-time series leader John Lejirma.
“The course was tough this time round due to the ongoing rains. I probably could have returned a better score than three-under-par, but I’m very happy to have retained the title,” said Karanga. “I checked the KAGC Order of Merit and realised I was number three, so I knew I had to do something this weekend, especially being the defending champion,” he added.
Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club posted rounds of 75, 72, and 73 for a total score of 220 (+4). His consistent ball-striking and recovery play kept him in contention throughout the event.
Despite an up-and-down start in Round 1, marked by several bogeys, Lejirma steadied his game in Round 2 with birdies at the 1st, 9th, 11th, and 13th to finish level-par for the day. He began Round 3 on fire with birdies on the first three holes, later adding two more on the 11th and 16th. However, his quest for the title was hampered by a double bogey on the 7th and bogeys at holes 8, 9, 10, and 15, ultimately earning him Ksh 69,400.
Tied for third at +9 (225) were Hetansh Shah (Sigona Golf Club), Naomi Wafula (Vipingo Ridge), and Joyce Njuguini (Kiambu Golf Club), each taking home Ksh 36,200.
Shah had a slow start with a first-round 80, struggling particularly on the back nine, but showed tremendous improvement with rounds of 74 and 71 on the second and third days respectively. His final round featured birdies on holes 6, 11, 15, and 16, and he remained bogey-free on the front nine. He only dropped shots on holes 14 (bogey) and 18 (double bogey).
Naomi Wafula, the 2023 Kiambu Open champion, delivered a solid defence of her title with rounds of 75, 76, and 74. Her final round was particularly composed, showing excellent short game control and avoiding major mistakes to finish a respectable two-over-par on the day.
