BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has launched its Oil and Gas Golf Series as it seeks to strengthen relationships within the industry and promote community engagement.
The series which teed off at the 18-hole Nakuru Golf Club will culminate in a grand finale at Karen Country Club, where the top five winners from the nine preliminary tournaments will compete for a grand prize.
The tournaments are themed according to the predominant economic activity of the area; Farmers’ Edition (Nakuru Golf Club, Eldoret Golf Club, Kericho Golf Club), Movers and Shakers (Sigona Golf Club, Thika Greens), Transport and Logistics (Nyali Country Club, Nyanza Club, and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort in Uganda) and then the finale; The Majors (Karen Country Club). This is in line with KPC’s mission of transforming lives and building regional economies.
Speaking at Nakuru Golf Club during the inaugural leg of the series, KPC Managing Director Joe Sang said; “Nakuru is the gateway to the Western part of the country and our regional markets (Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi… it was therefore befitting to start here.”
The Nakuru leg of the series saw an impressive turnout of 147 golfers who competed for the top honors. Handicap 12 golfer John Kibet emerged as the champion of the Nakuru event, scoring a total of 43 Stableford points. He was followed by Mark Karanja, who managed 41 Stableford points, beating William Kariuki by three points.
Beatrice Bisonga claimed the ladies’ title after carding a total of 37 Stableford points.
With a total of 35 Stableford points, David Mathai of Njoro Country Club won the senior men’s title, while the junior category went to Peter Gathogo with 34 points.
In addition to the Series launch, KPC was also recognized by Nakuru Golf Club for its contributions to environmental conservation and climate change initiatives.
In recognition of KPC’s commitment, the Club offered KPC a spot within the club to adopt for tree-planting and growing initiatives.
“This gesture underscores the shared vision between our organizations to foster a greener, more sustainable future for our communities,” said Nakuru Golf Club chairman, Titus Lusaka.
“We are also honoured to announce that KPC Managing Director, Mr. Joe Sang, has been awarded an honorary membership of the Nakuru Golf Club in recognition of his dedicated leadership in spearheading environmental conservation efforts through the game of golf.”
“As KPC, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nakuru Golf Club for this recognition and their support in our ongoing journey towards environmental sustainability. This piece of land will go along in enabling KPC to achieve its target of growing 5 million trees in 10 years,” said Mr Sang.
“Our efforts at KPC include a wide range of activities designed to safeguard natural resources and mitigate against the impacts of climate change. We are actively involved in reforestation projects, promoting renewable energy, and implementing sustainable practices in our operations. Our collaboration with various stakeholders ensures that we remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship in the energy sector,” he said.
In partnership with various organizations, KPC has planted about 600,000 tree seedlings across the country. At least 500,000 seedlings have been planted in the KPC-led mangroves reafforestation program at Jomvu Kuu Creek in Mombasa. The other partners are Community Forest Associations, Kenya Forest Service and Mombasa County Government.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership and making a positive impact on the environment together.”
The next leg of the Oil and Gas Golf Series will be held at the 9-hole Kericho Golf Club on July 13th.
