Last time I covered a darts tournament at Jacaranda, it was confined to a small space on the right side of the club, and I had to fight for room to capture the best photos and catch even a glimpse of the action.

Therefore, this time I went fully prepared.

‎‎Over the weekend, I attended the Kenya Open Tournament organized by the Kenya Darts Association, expecting similar conditions.

However, I was surprised by how much the space had evolved and how spacious the venue had become.

Dart players compete at the group stage during the Kenya Darts Open Tournament at Jacaranda on 9th November, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎As I walked in, I was immediately struck not only by the large number of people attending the tournament but also by the impressive number of dartboards arranged around the room. They were 24 in number.

‎‎It felt like a showcase, with boards lined up along the walls and others erected in the middle of the hall, giving spectators multiple vantage points to watch the matches.

Due to the huge number of participants, every board remained in constant use.

‎‎As soon as one match ended, the announcer called the next players, and in some cases, players moved to the board even before their names were mentioned.

‎‎One particularly interesting aspect was how players took responsibility for keeping scores among themselves, ensuring that matches progressed smoothly and efficiently.

Dart players compete at the foosball table during the Kenya Darts Open Tournament at Jacaranda on 9th November, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎To add to the excitement, the venue had pool tables where participants and fans played against each other, as well as a foosball table that quickly became a center of attraction.

‎‎The foosball competition was fierce, drawing loud cheers from fans supporting their favorites.

‎‎The tournament delivered not only on darts but also on entertainment. When night fell, a rhumba band serenaded the crowd, and people danced to old-school music as they waited for the crowning of the King and Queen of Darts.

‎‎At the end of the night, Uganda’s Sarah Makanga won the women’s title after defeating Agnes Jerotich 4–1.

A section of attendees follow pool table friendly competition at the Kenya Darts Open Tournament at Jacaranda on 9th November, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

They had earlier edged out Nakuru’s top seed, Millicent Wangui, and Agnes Mukami respectively in the semifinal.

‎‎In the men’s category, Peter Wachiuri claimed the title after beating Peter Wanjii 7–4, having earlier overcome James Ndichu and Dominic Munyao respectively in the semifinals.

‎‎Sarah enjoyed an impressive, unbeaten run throughout the tournament, while Wachiuri recorded only one loss during the group stage.

‎‎In the teams category, the Dream Team triumphed over the Museum Team, while in the men’s doubles, Muhinja N and David Munyua took the bragging rights.

A section of attendees follow pool table friendly competition at the Kenya Darts Open Tournament at Jacaranda on 9th November, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎Event organiser Simon Muhia noted the remarkable turnout for the tournament.

“We are glad that you have made a record in terms of attendance in the Kenya Open. Over 200 players in men’s singles and over 60 players in women’s singles. That’s a record in this region, and we are very happy,” he says.

‎‎He added that this was the first time the tournament was hosted in Nakuru and that the numbers had risen significantly.

‎‎“We have seen participation from across East Africa. We have also seen new talents emerging, new players winning, and amateur players turning professional,” he says.

‎Muhia emphasizes the growing potential of Nakuru as a darts hub.

“Going forward, we are looking toward more tournaments here in Nakuru, especially professional ones, because the talent in Nakuru is immense. We are also happy that youth and women's representation is increasing.”

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Muthoni Wanjiku