Golfers to pitch camp at Sea-Link Course to celebrate Mashujaa Day

Duncan Ndonga in action. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Coast Golfers will be celebrating Mashujaa day in style by honoring the first African and former Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Duncan Ndegwa at the Sea-Link par 71 Mombasa Golf Course in Mombasa County on Friday.

Club Captain James Gitonga in an Invite letter to Golfers said that they have chosen the 2023 Mashujaa Day, which will be celebrated on Friday to honor Ndegwa by hosting a golf tournament to show appreciation for the work he has done for Kenya as well as his efforts in promoting golf activities.

"You have all along been known to have a passion for golf and your great contribution to the

Development of this sporting activity remains incontestable. Therefore we as a Club feel proud to host Mzee Duncan Nderitu Ndegwa Golf Tournament which will provide a good opportunity for us, to reflect the advancement made so far in promoting golf. This was an activity that was not that popular in the past but today it is one of the most well liked recreational activities in Kenya. We also intend to celebrate your remarkable contribution to the development of this country we all love. We recognize your significant role in overseeing the blossoming of the young nation, Kenya from its independent state to where it is today, "said Gitonga.

The Captain further noted that the Club was proud to be associated with Ndgewa as a renowned philanthropist whose charitable works have benefited thousands of Students and it so worthwhile to celebrate him on such a day like 'Mashujaa' which was set aside for Kenyans to pay tribute to their heroes.

He said the daylong event sponsored by ICEA Lion Group in partnership with NCBA and 'Wanakirima' is expected to attract more than 160 golfers and assured them that the course was playing well and in an excellent condition.

The Club's green Keeper Tirus Githaiga assured golfers that pin positions around the course will be placed in a friendly way to allow them have fun and enjoy the day expected to be characterized by cool breeze from the nearby Indian Ocean.

In a reply to the Club, Ndegwa said, "Iam greatly honored by your kind gesture of celebrating me as a Shujaa during this forthcoming Duncan Ndegwa Golf day on Friday. I accept this humbly and look forward to participating in the celebrations."

Men Golfers expected to put up a spirited fight at the course included among them Symon Wambugu, Lawrence Odhiambo, Eric Nyongesa, Johnson Wamunyua, Bernard Simiyu, Aamin Mughal and Henry Kamau.

The Ladies among them will be Susan Mwangi, Lady Captain Fiona Mbandi, Faith Muteti, Mesaidi Maarifa, Grace Kwamboka, Glady's Kasi and Diana Nthiwa.

The 96 year old Duncan Nderitu Ndegwa is proof that 'Age is just a number' and is still an active golfer who will be among the seniors participating.

He is the first African and longest serving Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya and the first post-independence Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet in Kenya who has also authored four books in his sunset years.

Duncan Ndegwa Born in 1925 in Nyeri,oversaw the transition from a colonial civil service to an African-led one and was also the longest serving Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, an institution he led from 1967 to 1982, when he retired aged 55.

'Mashujaa' Day, also known as Heroes' Day ("mashujaa" is Swahili for "heroes"), is a national day in Kenya, which is observed on 20 October as a public holiday to collectively honour all those who contributed towards the struggle for Kenya's independence or positively contributed in the post-independence Kenya.