Muthomi carded rounds of 75, 72 and 78 for a tournament total of 225, beating Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who finished second on 231, by six strokes
Dar es Salaam. Kenyan teenager Kanana Muthomi produced a composed performance to win the 2026 Sterling Invitational Golf Tournament at the Kilimanjaro Wildlife and Golf Estate in Arusha, finishing nine over par after three rounds.
Muthomi carded rounds of 75, 72 and 78 for a tournament total of 225, beating Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who finished second on 231, by six strokes.
The victory adds another significant achievement to Muthomi’s growing reputation in East African amateur golf.
The Kenyan had already underlined her potential earlier this year by winning the 54-hole Kenya Ladies Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Limuru Country Club with a total of 223.
At Kili Golf, Muthomi maintained her advantage through the three-round competition despite facing a strong regional field that included several established players from Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
Hussein mounted the strongest challenge to the Kenyan, finishing with rounds of 75, 74 and 82 for 231, while compatriot Chloe Cherono completed the podium after carding 84, 80 and 76 for 240.
The result was particularly significant for Muthomi because the Sterling Invitational had attracted a competitive field designed to provide East Africa’s leading amateurs with an opportunity to test themselves against each other.
The tournament, sponsored by Sterling Surfactant Limited and organised by Madina Idd, featured golfers from Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, with about 80 players expected to compete across the different categories. The main competition was played under the stroke-play format, with players completing 18 holes each day.
Muthomi’s success also denied defending champion Ashley Awuor the opportunity to retain the title she won last year. Awuor finished tied for 13th after posting rounds of 76, 91 and 88 for 255.
Tanzania, however, had several players finish prominently. Neema Olomi was seventh on 248 after rounds of 82, 84 and 82, while Hawa Wanyeche finished eighth on 249.
Aalaa Somji was 10th on 251, followed by Loveness Mungure in 11th with 252. Nancy Wairimu finished 12th on 254.
The tournament also attracted international players, including Rwanda’s Sylvie Irakoze, who finished 15th on 261. Zambia’s Lornah Kalunga Mwenda had earlier been announced among the international players expected to strengthen the field.
Away from the main ladies’ competition, Mahmoos Somji emerged as the Senior Overall winner, while Sophia Viggo claimed the Senior Overall women’s title.
Naomi Wakesho won Division B, adding another competitive category to the tournament’s growing list of winners.
The special prizes also went to Aalaa Somji, who claimed the Longest Drive ladies’ award, while Mohamed Walji won the Longest Drive senior prize.
The Sterling Invitational has continued to grow as an important platform for women’s golf in the region. Its recognition under the R&A and registration with the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) has added further significance, giving eligible players an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points.
The ladies’ event was played over 54 holes, placing a premium on consistency, concentration and effective course management. The Kili Golf course also provided a demanding test, requiring players to combine accuracy with tactical decision-making throughout the three rounds.
“As the organiser, I would like to sincerely thank Sterling Surfactant Limited for trusting me and entrusting me with the responsibility of managing their tournament. I would also like to thank all the invited players from Kenya and Rwanda, as well as the Tanzanian hosts, for coming to participate in the tournament.
I extend my special thanks to the Sterling organising committee, led by Alkarim Somji, the company’s General Manager, for managing the tournament effectively and ensuring its success," said Madina.
She congratulated to all the winners, and congratulations to everyone who took part in the tournament. We welcome you all back next year, in 2027.
For Muthomi, the victory represents another step in an encouraging season and strengthens her position among East Africa’s emerging golfing talents. For Tanzania, Hussein’s runner-up finish and the strong showing by Olomi, Wanyeche and Somji provided a positive return against a competitive international field.
The tournament has therefore strengthened its position as more than a regional competition, providing a platform where emerging golfers can gain experience, improve their rankings and measure themselves against some of East Africa’s leading amateurs.
