KFS Launches Misitu Golf Challenge

The unveiling of the Misitu Challenge Logo 

The KGU Chairman shakes hands with Mr Mugo while Eng. Obath and Mr. Parshu look on

Mr. Mugo on the putting green at Muthaiga Golf Club

The Misitu Golf Challenge is a series of golf events to be held countrywide in 13 venues.  The Challenge whose theme is ‘Forestation through the game of golf’ was launched at the Muthaiga Golf club on Wednesday 5^th May 2010. The partnership between KFS and Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is geared towards creating awareness on the importance of conserving forests through the game of golf.

The launch was presided over by Mr.Emilio Mugo- Senior Deputy Director, Kenya Forest Service on behalf of the Director Mr. D.K. Mbugua. In his speech, Mr Mugo noted that one of the major reasons KFS chose golf when coming up with a sporting programme was to promote forestry conservation knowing that golfers are very conscious of forestry and that some of the best golf courses are set in forests. He thanked Eng.Patrick Obath who accepted to be the goodwill ambassador of the tournament.

Guests were reminded about the status and history of forestry in our country, adding that forestry is one of the earliest sectors in Kenya and provides most of the important basic resources for Kenya’s society. Misitu golf challenge is part of KFS community engagement in forestry management as it will reach out to school children.

In his speech, Eng.Patrick Obath said the Misitu golf challenge was a creative concept that is aimed at marketing the game of golf and concurrently creates awareness of the urgent need to increase forest cover in the country and conserve our environment. He was grateful to the Kenya Forest Service and Golf and Beyond for choosing him to fly the flag as the goodwill ambassador. He promised his devotion towards making the series a success and ensuring that everyone involved gets to appreciate forestry.

Also present at the launch was the Kenya Golf Union Chairman, Mr. S. R. Ndegwa, Vice-Chairman Mr. Parshu Hirani, Mr. Raymond Nyamweya Hon. Treasurer, Kenya Golf Union, Golf Captains from different clubs, Miss Forest 2009-Miss Maureen Ng’ang’a   among other distinguished guests.

The Kenya Golf Union, through their Chairman Mr. S. R. Ndegwa said the Union was pleased to be part of the series knowing well that there is no other game in the world that advocates for greener environment than golf.  Mr.Ndegwa said the Union appreciates the efforts of the Kenya Forest Service and support their effort in restoring the forest cover of our country. As a partner in this effort the Union waived the sanction fee for the series and urged the golfing fraternity to participate in large numbers in this challenge for indeed it is a worthy course. He further appealed to other prospective sponsors to partner with K.F.S for the success of the series. The climax of the event was the unveiling of the Misitu Golf Challenge officiated by Mr.Emilio Mugo and and Mr. S. R. Ndegwa assisted by Miss Forest – Maureen Ng’ang’a.

Report Courtesy of Anne Kaari