Africa Games champion Angela Okutoyi will receive government support as she prepares for upcoming international tournaments, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed.
Mvurya said he will engage Tennis Kenya to ensure the 20-year-old star is fully prepared and financially supported ahead of her next competition, expected in May.
“I have received Angela Okutoyi’s appeal and spoken to the Tennis Federation leadership. Angela is a remarkable Kenyan talent whose journey continues to inspire many young athletes across the country,” said Mvurya.
“Tennis has the power to open doors, transform lives, and inspire our youth to dream beyond limitations. It builds discipline, resilience, and provides global opportunities for young people who dare to believe in their talent,” he added.
Okutoyi’s recent performances have seen her climb to a career-high ranking of 476, following victories in back-to-back W35 tournaments at Parklands Sports Club. She defeated Italy’s Martina Colmegna in both legs—6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first and 6-3, 7-6 in a tense second-leg final.
The 2022 Wimbledon Junior Doubles champion also celebrated doubles success, teaming with Poland’s Zuzanna Pawlikowska to win the first leg 6-2, 7-5, and with the Netherlands’ Demi Tran in the second leg to overcome the same pair 6-2, 5-7, 10-4.
Okutoyi has set her sights on breaking into the top 300 rankings and qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after missing out on Paris 2024. She has returned to Auburn University in the USA to complete her degree by June, before turning professional in July.
by WILLIAM NJUGUNA
