The Nairobi Darts Masters is set to take place on December 5-6 at the Broadwalk Mall Ballroom in Nairobi.
Organised by the Sirua Darts Group, the event will bring together top players from Kenya and beyond to take part in the competition with total prize money of $10,000 (Approx. Sh1.3 million), with the winner taking home Sh260,000.
Top Kenyan players participating in the tournament include Kenya’s number one David Munyua, Manpreet Kalsi, and Aryan Khalsa.
Over 15 foreign players will also be among the strong field of 96 earmarked for the Nairobi Darts Masters.
Speaking in Nairobi, Director of the Sirua Darts Group, Dan Karori, said the goal is to create a safe space for people to play darts and to support the development of the sport in Kenya.
The Group also aims to monetise the sport and provide opportunities for players to succeed.
The tournament, which will have a total of 256 players, will feature four categories, including the Masters, Ladies Showdown, Juniors under 15 and the University Darts Challenge Cup.
Notably, 16 slots will be reserved for foreigners from six nationalities, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Switzerland.
The international participation is expected to elevate the competition, with interest from the Swiss Darts Corporation.
Kenya Darts Association Chairman Wilson Githae notes that darts is one of the biggest sports in the world and stakeholders are keen to emulate the success of past players.
With professionals now playing overseas, the future of Kenyan darts looks bright.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Nairobi Masters, bringing together the best darts players in Kenya,” said Githae, adding that they have had a long journey to get to this point but are excited about the potential for darts in Kenya.
Githae said the aim is to create a safe and supportive environment for people to play the sport, and it is fantastic to see Kenyan players performing well internationally.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan darts scene is buzzing with excitement, with several top players set to compete in major international tournaments.
Aryan, who just returned from participating in the WDF World Masters in Budapest, Hungary, earlier this month, says, “my confidence levels are flying sky high after my experience in Hungary. I now know what to expect and how to handle pressure.”
Kalsi is focused on performing well at the Masters, while Munyua is making history as the first Kenyan to qualify for the PDC World Championship.
Meanwhile, Peter Wachiuri will be heading to the ADC Global Championship in Portsmouth on December 1, while David Munyua will compete in the PDC World Championship in London from December 11.
Darts is a competitive sport in which two or more players bare-handedly throw small sharp-pointed projectiles known as darts at a round target known as a dartboard.
Darts has a rich history in Kenya, dating back to the 1940s when the Kenya Darts Association was formed.
Legendary players like John Munyui and John Giringacha paved the way for future generations, and now Kenyan players are making a name for themselves internationally.
By Anita Omwenga
