TZ Let Sterling Invitational Title Slip Again
ARUSHA, Sunday
Tanzania’s wait for the Sterling Invitational title continues after Kenya’s junior golfer Kanana Muthomi held her nerve to win the 2026 championship, extending Kenya’s dominance in the women’s event when the tournament concluded on Sunday, September 6, at Kilimanjaro Wildlife Golf Club in Arusha.
Muthomi finished the 54-hole championship at 9-over-par 225, six shots clear of Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who settled for second on 15-over-par 231.
The result was a bitter disappointment for the Tanzanian camp, particularly after Hussein shared the overnight lead with Muthomi following the opening round and remained the Kenyan’s closest challenger heading into the final day.
But with the pressure mounting, Muthomi produced the consistency needed to stay in control and secure the title.
After opening with a 75 (+3), the Kenyan junior returned a level-par 72 in the second round to reach 3-over-par 147 and take sole possession of the lead.
She closed with a 78 to finish on 225 and lift the championship trophy, while Hussein, who had carded a 74 in the second round, struggled to maintain her challenge on the final day, returning an 82.
For Tanzania, Hussein’s runner-up finish was the country’s best result, but it once again ended with a Kenyan golfer taking the title.
Kenya also dominated the upper end of the leaderboard. Cherono Chloe finished third on 24-over-par 240 after rounds of 84, 70 and 76. Bianca Ngecu was fourth on 27-over-par 241, while compatriot Mercy Nyanchama finished on 243 after rounds of 77, 85 and 81 to take fifth place. Brianna Ngecu was sixth on 28-over-par 244.
Neema Olomi was Tanzania’s second-best performer, finishing seventh on 32-over-par 248 after rounds of 82, 84 and 82. Hawa Wanyeche followed in eighth on 33-over-par 249, carding 85, 82 and 82.
Tanzania’s Aalaa Somji rounded out the top 10 on 35-over-par 251 after rounds of 87, 80 and 84. Loveness Mungure finished 11th on 36-over-par 252 following rounds of 86, 81 and 85, while Kenya’s Nancy Wairimu was 12th on 38-over-par.
Rwanda’s Aurelie Batamriza and Kenya’s defending champion Ashley Awuor shared 13th place on 39-over-par.
The result adds another chapter to the growing Kenya-Tanzania rivalry at the Sterling Invitational.
Tanzania had home advantage and a strong title contender in Hussein, but once again a Kenyan golfer proved too strong when it mattered most.
Organised and sponsored by Sterling Surfactant Limited, the tournament started on Friday and concluded on Sunday, featuring 36 female golfers from Kenya, Rwanda and host Tanzania competing over 54 holes. A further 27 senior players took part in a separate 36-hole competition.
Mahmood Somji was crowned the Overall Senior Men’s winner, while former Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) president Sophia Viggo claimed the Overall Senior Ladies’ title. Aalaa Somji won the Ladies’ Longest Drive, with Mohamed Walji taking the Senior Men’s Longest Drive.
The Sterling Invitational is part of efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s golfing pipeline by giving young local players valuable competitive exposure and an opportunity to test themselves against regional opposition as they seek to improve their national-team prospects.
Tournament organiser Madina Hussein expressed her appreciation to Sterling Surfactant Limited for entrusting her with the responsibility of organising and managing the tournament.
“First, I would like to sincerely thank Sterling Surfactant Limited for believing in me and entrusting me with the responsibility of managing their tournament,” Hussein said.
“I also extend my appreciation to all the invited players from Kenya and Rwanda, as well as the Tanzanian participants, for coming to compete. Special thanks go to the Sterling organising committee, led by the company’s General Manager, Alkarim Somji, for their commitment and effective coordination, which contributed greatly to the success of the tournament.
She congratulations to all the winners, and players who took part.
“We look forward to welcoming you all again next year for the 2027 edition,” she concluded.
Final Championship Standings:
Kanana Muthomi (Kenya) — +9, 225
Madina Hussein (Tanzania) — +15, 231
Chloe Cherono (Kenya) — +24, 240
Bianca Ngecu (Kenya) — +25, 241
Mercy Nyanchama (Kenya) — +27, 243
Brianna Ngecu (Kenya) — +28, 244
Neema Olomi (Tanzania) — +32, 248
Hawa Wanyeche (Tanzania) — +33, 249
Doris Mediva (Tanzania) — +34, 250
Aalaa Somji (Tanzania) — +35, 251
Kenya’s Naomi Wakesho, winner of the Division B Ladies’ title.