First Lady Rachel Ruto has singled out Kenyan golfing sensation Naomi Wafula for high praise, terming her recent qualification for the Sunshine Ladies Tour as a "monumental achievement" that will inspire a generation of young women. Wafula has etched her name in history as the first Kenyan female professional golfer to earn a full card on a global tour, breaking a glass ceiling that has held firm for decades.

Speaking from State House, the First Lady described Wafula’s journey as a beacon of what is possible when talent meets discipline"We congratulate Naomi Wafula on making history," Mrs. Ruto stated. "Her achievement is a powerful signal to girls across the country that opportunities in sport are expanding beyond the traditional tracks and fields."

Breaking the Grass Ceiling

Naomi Wafula’s rise is the stuff of fairytales. A niece to the legendary Rose Naliaka, she turned professional in July 2025 under the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK). Just five months later, she secured her spot on the prestigious Sunshine Ladies Tour in South Africa, a competitive circuit that feeds into the European Tour. For a Kenyan woman to break into this elite tier is unprecedented.

"It is already inspiring more female golfers to turn professional," the First Lady noted, emphasizing the ripple effect of Wafula’s success. The Vipingo Ridge-affiliated golfer has long been a standout amateur, but her transition to the pro ranks proves she has the mental fortitude to swim with the sharks.

• The Context: Golf in Kenya has traditionally been an elitist, male-dominated sport. Wafula’s success challenges these stereotypes, opening the door for talent from diverse backgrounds.
• The Support: The Rose Naliaka Golf Academy, where Wafula honed her skills, is credited with nurturing underprivileged girls into world-class players.
• The Future: Wafula is now expected to fly the Kenyan flag in tournaments across Africa and Europe, carrying the hopes of a nation that is hungry for sporting heroes beyond athletics.

A New Era for Women’s Sports

This recognition comes at a time when women’s sports in Kenya are enjoying a golden era, from the Junior Starlets’ World Cup debut to Angela Okutoyi’s tennis exploits. First Lady Rachel Ruto’s vocal support is seen as a crucial endorsement, signaling government willingness to invest in these emerging frontiers.

As Naomi Wafula prepares to tee off on the international stage, she does so knowing she has the First Lady—and the entire nation—in her gallery. Her swing is no longer just about the ball; it is about the future.