By KPC Sports Reporter
The race for the Kabete Challenge title intensified on Monday as Michael Karanga, Dismas Indiza and Edwin Mudanyi emerged tied at the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing event at VetLab Sports Club.
The trio heads into Tuesday’s final round locked on one-under-par 143, setting up a thrilling battle for the third title of the 2026/27 season and a share of the KES 1.5 million prize purse.
Also Read
Ndumberi Golf Club’s Michael Karanga continued his impressive debut season as a professional with a second-round score of one-under-par 71. Karanga’s round featured birdies on the 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th and 17th holes, offset by bogeys on the 8th, 10th, 11th and 16th.
“I’m happy to be in contention heading into the final round. The course is demanding, but I’ve stayed patient and trusted my game. Tomorrow will be about keeping the same mindset and giving myself a chance down the stretch,” said Karanga.
Veteran professional Dismas Indiza produced one of the best rounds of the day, carding a three-under-par 69 to recover from his opening-round 74 and force his way into contention. Indiza birdied the 3rd, 7th, 9th, 15th and 16th holes, with his only dropped shots coming on the 5th and 14th.
“I played much better today and managed to capitalize on a few opportunities. It’s always good to be in the mix going into the final day, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Indiza.
Karen Country Club’s Edwin Mudanyi also joined the lead after posting a one-under-par 71. Birdies on the 7th, 8th and 11th helped propel him up the leaderboard, although bogeys on the 2nd and 17th denied him outright top spot.
“It was a solid day overall. I kept myself in position and remained patient when things got tough. The leaderboard is very close, so I’ll focus on playing my game and seeing where it takes me tomorrow,” said Mudanyi.
Chasing Pack Within Striking Distance
Just one shot off the lead on level-par 144 are VetLab’s Robinson Owiti and Nyali Golf & Country Club amateur Adel Balala, both firmly in contention heading into the decisive round. Owiti carded a one-under-par 71, while Balala battled to a level-par round to stay in touch with the leaders.
Samuel Njoroge Chege and Taimur Malik are tied for sixth place on one-over-par 145, while Nigerian pair Godwin Okoko and Sunday Olapade share eighth place on two-over-par 146.
A total of 30 players and ties survived the cut and will return for Tuesday’s final round, where valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points will also be at stake.
With only a single shot separating the leaders from the nearest challengers, the Kabete Challenge is poised for a dramatic finish as players battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive events of the season.
