Chebii Wins 2026 Kenya Seed Classic at Kitale
Michael Chebii ensured Nandi Bears Golf Club maintained their dominance after clinching the 2026 Kenya Seed Classic Golf Tournament title at the par-73 Kitale Golf Club course.
Playing off handicap 21, Chebii returned a total of 142 nett over two days to emerge the overall winner in a tournament that attracted 156 golfers from clubs across the country at the scenic 18-hole course. His victory earned him the top prize a heifer.
Chebii, who sharpens his skills alongside top Nandi Bears golfers including Nelson Koech, veteran professional Dismas Indiza and Elly Barno, said conquering the challenging course required patience and focus.
“We had good weather and a wonderful tournament from the sponsor. I want to thank the captain for making the course challenging to play, but I finally made it to the top,” said Chebii.
With golfers from Nandi Bears having dominated the tournament over the years, Chebii attributed the success to the club’s highly competitive training environment and the region’s unique terrain.
“Because of the terrain, our region is hilly compared to here which is relatively flat, so we find it easier to play here. I also thank my trainers, especially the single-handicappers, for nurturing me over the years,” he added.
Host club captain Harun Ndegwa acknowledged the demanding nature of the course setup during the two-day competition.
“The idea was to make the course challenging so that every player had to think carefully about each shot. We made the pin positions difficult so that anyone playing had to fully concentrate on the game,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Kenya Seed Company Managing Director, International Audit Manager Leonard Kibet described the tournament as a premium event aimed at supporting farmers and the sporting community.
“We are happy to sponsor such a premium tournament and with the turnout as a way of giving back to farmers who have supported us. We want to ensure farmers are well informed and we have produced seeds suitable for different ecological zones,” he said.
Kibet also emphasized the importance of verifying certified seeds to protect farmers from counterfeit products.
In the overall standings, home player Josephine Chesang finished second with 144 nett, while Ronald Mutambo completed the podium with 145 nett. John Thuo and Julius Kisuna followed in fourth and fifth place respectively.
In other results, Michael Kotu won Day One with 69 nett, tied with club captain Isaac Kuto, while Isaac Ondieki from Kakamega claimed the Day Two title with 66 nett.
Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno secured the gross title with level-par 146, ahead of Faith Ann Chemutai who finished on four-over-par 150.
