Darts is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in Kenya, fueled by development organizations and the historic performance of David Munyua at the PDC World Darts Championship. The sport, once a staple of bar culture, is now drawing hundreds of players and fans to tournaments across the country.
Match Play 2 Tournament in Nakuru
At the Jacaranda showground in Nakuru, Peter Wachiuri clinched victory in the main event of the two-day Match Play 2 tournament, defeating James Kamama with a double 10 finish. The event drew 161 participants from around Kenya. "The tournament was excellent and all the players were great," Wachiuri said from the stage before the awards ceremony.
David Munyua's Breakthrough
The resurgence gained momentum after David Munyua, a veterinarian, became the first Kenyan to qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London. He stunned the Belgian 18th seed Mike De Decker in the first round, one of the tournament's biggest upsets. "There was a very big tsunami after everyone watched Munyua play," said Manpreet Kalsi, top-ranked player in the Sirua Darts Circuit (SDC) league. "[People thought] 'these guys can do it, why can't we?'"
Organizations Driving Growth
Sirua Darts, founded in 2022 by Dann Karori, Penny Mubea, and Jeff Muriithi, runs a 12-week league with 20 teams and 300 players. The African Darts Group, founded by South African player Devon Petersen, also supports development. "We want to make Kenya the capital of darts in Africa," said Karori.
Players' Journeys
Peter Wachiuri, nicknamed "Kenyan King," discovered darts at a bar in Ngong and later quit his job as a lorry driver to focus on the sport. In 2024, he was one dart away from qualifying for the world championship. Manpreet Kalsi, known as "The Prince," has played since the 1990s and now competes in the Modus Super Series in England.
Women's Darts on the Rise
In the women's category at Nakuru, Millicent Wangui, a police officer, beat Daisy Kipyator. "The spirit of darts is very strong these days and everybody is determined to win these tournaments because they can give us opportunities to compete abroad," she said. She dreams of playing in PDC and Modus Super Series women's tournaments.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Attracting sponsorship for overseas travel remains a key hurdle. Benson Ngari, a motorcycle taxi rider, secured sponsorship for the Modus Super Series but was denied a visa. At the grassroots level, teams like G9 Mnazini, Oche Addicts, and Morans practice regularly. John Munyui, who returned to darts after two decades, noted: "It's good that Sirua has come and collected darts from where it was." Fourteen-year-old Aryan Khalsa, who finished 25th in the SDC, represents the future: "I hope to be picked to go play international events and one day go to PDC."
