Muthomi Takes Solo Lead as Sterling Invitational Enters Final Round

ARUSHA, Saturday 

Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi seized the outright lead after Saturday’s second round of the Sterling Invitational 2026, setting up a thrilling finish to the 54-hole championship.

Muthomi followed her opening-round 75 (+3) with a level-par 72 to reach 3-over-par 147 after 36 holes. 

Her consistent play gives her a one-shot advantage heading into Sunday’s final round.

Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who shared the overnight lead with Muthomi, carded a 74 (+2) to move to 5-over-par 149 and remains firmly in contention for the title.

Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu made the biggest move among the leading players, climbing into third place on 17-over-par 161 after a second-round 81.

She is followed by compatriot Mercy Nyanchama, who sits fourth on 18-over-par 162 after carding a 78.

A three-way tie for fifth sees Kenya’s Maryam Mwakitawa, Chloe Cherono and Brianna Ngecu all on 20-over-par 164.

Rwanda’s Sylivie Irakoze and Tanzania’s Neema Olomi share eighth place on 22-over-par 166, while Tanzania’s Aalaa Somji, Loveness Mungure and Hawa Wanyeche, together with Rwanda’s Aurelie Batamriza, are tied on 23-over-par 167.

Kenya’s Ashley Awuor, the defending champion, is also on 23-over-par after a second-round 76, leaving her with ground to make up if she is to mount a late challenge for the title.

Wanyeche admitted that she struggled to convert her solid tee shots into a low score.

“It happens sometimes in golf. I can’t blame anything. My tee shots were all okay, and I was hitting straight, but I couldn’t score,” she said.

“I was hoping to lower my score to remain in pole position, but nothing went well,” added the 2026 Uganda Ladies Golf Open champion.

Olomi, one of the pre-tournament favourites, also found the course challenging.

“I found the course too difficult to play. It was tough for me,” she said.

The tournament, which started on Friday, has brought together 36 female golfers from Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, alongside 27 senior players who are expected to join the competition.

Beyond the title race, the Sterling Invitational is designed to strengthen Tanzania’s golfing pipeline and provide local players with opportunities to improve their national-team seeding.

With just 18 holes remaining, Muthomi holds the advantage, but Hussein and the chasing pack remain within striking distance.