The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is aiming to transform Kenya into a key player in sports tourism with the introduction of the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing.

Kicking off this week at the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort, the series will travel across Kenya and neighbouring countries, bringing the spotlight to the nation’s premier golf courses and its broader tourism appeal.

For over five years, KTB has strategically capitalised on major golf events like the Magical Kenya Open to boost Kenya's visibility as a prime tourism destination.

The East Africa Swing, set to feature 10-15 events annually, is expected to further position Kenya as a leading golf and leisure hub.

KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the country's exceptional assets, including world-class golf courses, a favourable climate, and iconic safari experiences, which make it uniquely suited for such an initiative.

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"Kenya has all the essential elements to compete with top golf destinations across Africa. The expansion of the Sunshine Tour into East Africa is a significant milestone, offering invaluable exposure for Kenya as a golf and leisure destination," Chepkemei explained.

"This will help attract a new wave of visitors eager to blend golf with our world-renowned safari adventures, business and other tourism experiences."

The series will feature golfers from across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, reinforcing Kenya’s role as the regional leader in golf.

According to Chepkemei, the tour promises to bring substantial economic benefits to the country’s hospitality industry, local businesses, and communities, just as previous international golf events have done.

“We expect this tour to play a role in generating significant economic opportunities for our hospitality sector, local businesses, as well as communities across the country as we have seen from other international golf events hosted in Kenya such as Magical Kenya Open

"Additionally, by hosting an event of this calibre, we are opening doors for more East Africans to experience the magic of our country, fostering regional integration and economic growth."

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, praised the partnership with KTB and emphasised Kenya’s potential as the ideal destination for this new golfing chapter.

"We are excited for the Sunshine Tour to be here in Kenya and to announce this partnership with KTB. Kenya is a wonderful place and a great pathway for our players to achieve global greatness," Abt said.

The tour's qualifying event at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha is offering a Sh1 million prize fund.

Golfers competing in the four-round qualifier will secure valuable tour cards for the 2025/26 season, with the top 10 also receiving invitations to the Sunshine Tour Final Stage Qualifier in Johannesburg in April 2025.

Additionally, the tour will offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, giving local players a genuine opportunity to break into global golf circuits.

Highlights of each event will be broadcast on SuperSport Golf Channel and local TV networks, amplifying Kenya’s profile as a world-class golfing and tourism destination.