Jackline Cherop Sirai Is Opening Doors for Women Golfers in Nairobi Through Girls Who Golf NBO

As I watched the sun rise over the Thika Greens Golf Resort, a sense of calm washed over me. It's a feeling I've come to associate with golf, the quiet morning hours, the soft rustle of leaves, and the gentle hum of anticipation. But on this particular morning, I was not alone. Jackline Cherop Sirai, the founder of Girls Who Golf NBO, was knee-deep in soil, planting a young tree alongside a group of community members. It was a moment that spoke volumes about her dedication to opening doors for women in golf.

For Sirai, golf is more than just a game, it's a way of life. And she's not alone. According to the 2024 R&A Global Golf Participation Report, female engagement in the sport is seeing a significant upward trajectory across the continent, with countries like Nigeria and Morocco reporting that women now represent approximately 30% of adult registered golfers. Kenya is no exception, with the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) documenting a steady influx of new players.

But despite this growth, golf has long been seen as an exclusive men's club. Sirai remembers arriving at a golf club and sensing that she didn't quite belong. "You would come here and still feel lonely, like you don't belong," she explained. "When we started, we knew the narrative had to change." And change it did, through Girls Who Golf NBO, Sirai has worked tirelessly to create a community that encourages women and girls to take up the sport.

Sirai's journey to becoming a golf advocate began in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic slowed global travel and daily routines shifted. Her travel company, Densey Tours & Travel, like many businesses in the tourism sector, had slowed significantly as borders closed and trips were cancelled. "The work slowed down by itself," she says. "So instead of just sitting in the house, I would go play golf." It was during these long months that Sirai had the idea to create a community for women who shared her passion for golf.

As I watched Sirai plant the young tree, I couldn't help but think about the seeds she's sown in the golf community. Girls Who Golf NBO has become a beacon of hope for women who might otherwise feel excluded from the sport. And it's not just about golf, it's about creating a space where women can come together, support one another, and build confidence. "We want to show women that they belong on the course," Sirai says. "That they have a place to call their own, where they can be themselves and pursue their passion for golf."

The impact of Girls Who Golf NBO is not limited to Kenya. The growth of female engagement in golf is a trend that's sweeping the continent, with countries like Nigeria and Morocco reporting significant increases in women's participation. It's a movement that's driven by women like Sirai, who are determined to create a more inclusive and welcoming sport.

• The 2024 R&A Global Golf Participation Report found that female engagement in golf is seeing a significant upward trajectory across the continent.
• Countries like Nigeria and Morocco report that women now represent approximately 30% of adult registered golfers.
• The Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) have documented a steady influx of new players in Kenya.

As I watched Sirai finish planting the tree, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism about the future of golf. With women like Sirai at the helm, creating communities and opportunities for women to participate in the sport, the course is looking brighter than ever. And as Sirai herself says, "We're not just changing the narrative, we're changing the game."