By Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenya’s rising tennis stars showcased their dominance at the ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships, claiming five out of six titles in the 14 & Under and 16 & Under categories at Nairobi Club.
The highly competitive 16 & Under finals featured thrilling three-set battles. In an all-Kenyan girls’ final, Nancy Kawira staged an impressive comeback against Seline Aboya, overcoming a first-set loss (3-6) to win 6-2, 6-2 and secure the title.
“I’m happy to have won, especially since Seline beat me in our last match. I had to fight hard. I also appreciate Tennis Kenya for organizing this tournament—it was great to see so much support,” said Kawira.
In the boys’ 16 & Under final, Kenya’s Ayush Bhandari ended a three-year losing streak against Burundi’s Miki Nobel Igiraneza, prevailing in a tough three-set match (6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3).
“This was a really tough match, and I’m thrilled to have finally won, especially at home. The crowd’s support was incredible and helped me push through the three sets,” Ayush said.
The girls’ 14 & Under title went to Felicia Ouko, who defeated her close friend and compatriot Liya Gikunda 6-2, 6-4 in the final. The two then teamed up for the doubles final, securing another victory by beating teammates Bathsheba Ogamba and Jenerica Rogoi 6-1, 6-1. “Winning both singles and doubles has been an amazing experience, but now I’m focusing on the team event. It feels great to represent my country,” said Ouko.
Gikunda, despite her singles loss, expressed her joy at winning the doubles title. “Losing the singles was tough, but my partner helped lift my spirits, and together we fought hard for the doubles win. The support from Team Kenya made this experience special,” she said.
In the boys’ 14 & Under doubles final, Kenya’s Vihaan Bulsara and Ayaan Quadros defeated Uganda’s Cosmas Munguriek and Samuel Okello in a tight match (7-5, 7-5).
“The first set was tough for me, but Ayaan carried us through. By the second set, everything clicked,” Vihaan admitted. Ayaan added, “We played really well as a team. The tournament was fantastic, and winning the doubles was the perfect ending.”
The boys’ 14 & Under singles title was the only one to elude Kenya, as Burundi’s Dan Arek Muterampuhwe claimed victory over Uganda’s Samuel Okello (6-2, 7-5).
The tournament serves as a key evaluation platform for selecting players for the upcoming African Junior Championships (AJC) in 2025. Team events begin tomorrow and will run until January 23.