james wika 
Kenya Airways, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu hands over the partnership cheque to the KOGL board members
- Kenya Airways named Official Airline Partner for 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO);
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announceditspartnership with the 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) as part of the airline’s efforts to promote sports tourism in Africa and showcase Kenya as a premier golf destination.
Under the partnership unveiled today, Kenya Airways will be the Official AirlinePartner of the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, an international golf tournament that will take place on February 19-22, at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
Kenya Airways’ sponsorship of the event will mainly be in-kind support by providing 20 tickets across its network to support tournament logistics and participation, andoffering discounted travel for players, caddies, and fans flying into Kenyaontheairline for the premier golfing event.
The national carrier is also directly sponsoringKenyan golf champions Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Isaiah Otuke andJacobOkello, who will be playing in the tournament.
Speaking at the media event, Kenya Airways Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Julius Thairu, reiterated the airline’s commitment to promoting sportingtalent through the strategic partnership with MKO.
“Over the years, our partnership with Magical Kenya Open has evolvedintoastrategic partnership around showcasing Kenya as a premier global golfingdestination while promoting local talent in sports,” said Thairu.
Kenya Open Golf Limited Director PR & Communications, Zuhura Ogada, saidthepartnership with Kenya Airways is crucial in providing seamless connectivity for international players and ensuring that Magical Kenya Open remains aworld-classevent. “With partners like Kenya Airways, the tournament brings out the verybest of Kenyan hospitality,” she said.
As the eyes of the global golfing community turn toward Kenya, the partnershipbetween Kenya Airways and Magical Kenya Open plays at the intersection of Kenyan hospitality and sporting excellence, reinforcing the country’s positionas apremier global hub for sports tourism and a stage for world-class experiences.
Kenya Airways will also be showcasing innovative aviation technology solutions,including drones, developed by Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary company of theairline.
