Nairobi is set to host one of the county’s biggest billiards competitions, the Nairobi County Pool Championship, sponsored by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The tournament aims to showcase youth talent, promote inclusivity, and reward competitive excellence through free participation and lucrative cash prizes.
Announcing the event via his Instagram account, Babu Owino highlighted the role of sports in youth empowerment.
“Sports is a powerful tool for empowering our youth, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities. I am pleased to announce the Nairobi County Pool Tournament, which will kick off on July 4 and run for two months, bringing together talented players from across the county,” he said.
The legislator added that the tournament will culminate in a grand finale on September 5 and encouraged pool enthusiasts to participate and showcase their skills.
The championship will begin at the constituency level across all 17 Nairobi constituencies. Players will first compete in local qualifiers, with the top four from each constituency advancing to the county finals. Organisers say this structure will ensure broad representation while giving the county’s best players a chance to compete for the title.
To maintain fairness, participants will only be allowed to register in one constituency.
Both men and women are eligible to compete. Organisers have also introduced handicap measures aimed at encouraging female participation and creating a more level playing field, reinforcing the championship’s commitment to inclusivity.
The tournament boasts a prize pool of over Sh 2 million, with winners set to be rewarded at both constituency and county levels.
In the county individual category, the champion will walk away with Sh 200,000, while the runner-up will receive Sh 150,000. Third and fourth place winners will earn Sh 100,000 and Sh 50,000 respectively.
There will also be a team competition for constituency teams. The winning team will receive Sh 200,000, second place Sh 120,000, third place Sh 70,000, and fourth place Sh 70,000. Teams ranked fifth to seventeenth will each receive Sh 20,000.
At the constituency level, winners will pocket Sh 20,000, while second place will receive Sh 10,000. Third and fourth place finishers will each take home Sh 5,000.
With free participation, constituency-based qualification, and attractive rewards for both individuals and teams, the Nairobi County Pool Championship is expected to elevate the profile of cue sports in the capital while uncovering new talent.
The announcement sparked excitement online, with many Kenyans eager to take part.
Instagram user @johnie_gazz asked, “How do I register?” while @whitney_audrey inquired, “Where will the launch be? Mi nitakuwa nakuja kuwatch tu nikisalimia my governor.”