By Prosper Mene
Golf has traditionally been viewed as an exclusive sport in Kenya, often dominated by men and associated with elite networks. But entrepreneur and avid golfer Jackline Cherop Sirai is changing that narrative. Through her initiative, Girls Who Golf NBO, she is creating welcoming spaces for women and girls to learn the game, build confidence, forge connections, and challenge long-standing barriers.
Sirai, CEO of Densey Tours & Travel, founded the community around 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With international travel slowing dramatically, she channeled her energy into golf and noticed how isolating the sport could feel for women.
“You would come here and still feel lonely, like you don’t belong,” she recalled. Determined to shift the narrative, she began gathering like-minded women for casual rounds, which evolved into structured clinics, friendly tournaments, networking events, and mentorship programs.
Today, Girls Who Golf NBO brings together professional women in Nairobi passionate about golf, empowerment, and community outreach. The group organizes skills-building sessions, social gatherings, and initiatives that connect experienced players with beginners and juniors.
Building Skills, Confidence, and Community
The initiative emphasizes more than just playing the game. Objectives include:
Developing golfing skills through regular play, coaching, and competitions.
Fostering a supportive environment for networking and personal growth.
Promoting gender equality in the sport and educating members on rules, etiquette, and the history of women in golf.
Engaging in charity, outreach, and sustainability efforts.
Golf coach Emmanuel Wekesa, who has taught hundreds of women since 2021, has seen a clear rise in female participation. “Before, golf used to be seen as a sport for men, but what I’m seeing now is that it has really changed. Women are really playing and they love the sport,” he noted.
For many members, the benefits extend far beyond the fairway. Rachel Ndei, an experienced golfer in the group, highlights the mentorship and sense of belonging: “What I love most about Jackline is her soft heart. She cuts across from dealing with those of us who are experienced to those who have never even held a club.” The community has also enabled shared travel experiences and business networking opportunities.
Focus on the Next Generation
A key pillar of Girls Who Golf NBO is introducing young girls to the sport early. Sirai advocates starting as young as age three so golf becomes a natural part of their lives. The group partners with clubs to host juniors and aspiring players like Ruby Abura, who aims high: “I’ve just started, but I’d like to be top most… hopefully with the help of Girls Who Golf, I’ll reach there.”
More Than a Game
Sirai seamlessly blends her entrepreneurial life with her passion for golf, viewing the sport as both a personal outlet and a powerful networking tool. “Golf is also about marketing,” she says. “The more people you meet, you’re marketing what you do.”
Events often blend competition, camaraderie, tree-planting activities, and post-round conversations in the clubhouse — moments that reinforce the community’s supportive ethos.
Membership is open to professional women over 21 with a genuine interest in golf. The group maintains high standards of etiquette and sportsmanship while charging an annual fee to support operations and events.
Through Girls Who Golf NBO, Jackline Cherop Sirai is not just teaching women how to swing a club — she is building confidence, opening professional doors, and ensuring the next generation of Kenyan female golfers feels they truly belong on the course. As the community grows, it stands as a testament to the power of sport in driving empowerment and social change in Nairobi and beyond.
