Close on his heels is Amos Odongo from Golf Park Golf Club, who finished just one stroke behind at +1 (71).
A three-way tie for third place sees Raphael Leming'ani, Elly Barno, and William Odek all finishing Day One at +2 (72), keeping the leaderboard tightly packed at the top.
While Lejirma remains five strokes behind Kamais, he remains optimistic about his chances to make a comeback, especially given his experience on this course. With two more rounds to play, the reigning champion has time to recover from his slow start.
The leaderboard remains competitive, with several players like Benard Omondi (+3) and Cedric Konzolo (+4) within striking distance of the leaders.
The fast course conditions combined with potential changes in wind could further test the players' skills in the coming rounds, making Day Two a critical moment for those hoping to chase Kamais at the top.
Their support ensures the tournament continues to grow in stature, offering both excellent golfing experiences and significant opportunities for business-to-business engagement.
Nyanza Golf Club captain Tom Odongo said it is just the beginning as he expects more action and thrills over the next two days while also thanking partners and sponsors.
"The 2024 Nyanza Open has kicked off on a high note, and I couldn't be more pleased with how the first day has gone. The players have shown exceptional skill, and despite the tough conditions on the course, we've witnessed some incredible performances.
"The atmosphere has been electric, and it's clear that everyone is giving it their all. Our greens are in great shape, and that's helped to produce some competitive scores," he said.
"As we look ahead to the next two days, I'm expecting even fiercer competition. The leaderboard is tight, and with the quality of players we have this year, anything can happen. We've had fantastic weather so far, and if that holds up, we'll see some low scores. I'm especially excited to see how our local talents rise to the challenge against more experienced opponents."