Waithira Wins 2026 Skyteam Golf Tournament
Esther Waithira claimed victory at the 2026 SkyTeam golf tournament with an impressive score of 40 stableford points, finishing ahead of the competition at Windsor Golf Hotel.
Sam Majidier secured second place with 39 stableford points on countback, while Edwin Gitonga took third with 39 stableford points, capping a day of spirited competition among aviation industry leaders and stakeholders.
The annual tournament attracted representatives from SkyTeam member airlines, including Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Kenya Airways (KQ), alongside senior government officials, CEOs, and other invited stakeholders. It provided a platform for strengthening industry relationships and highlighted the aviation sector's shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Other notable winners of the day included Irene Kimeu, of the Kenya Railway Golf Club who took home the Lady Winner title with 36 stableford points. In the auxiliary categories, Dr. Terra Saidimu and Abigael Ayuma hit the LLongest drives in the men's and ladies' divisions respectively, while Brian Kimutai (Men) and Leticia Mwangale (Ladies) claimed Nearest to the Pin honors.
Sustainability was a central theme of the day's engagements, marked by an opening tree-planting activity showcasing the value of collective efforts in supporting environmental stewardship and building a more sustainable future.
“It was a fully-packed competition, and I am glad to have emerged victorious. However, I am even more delighted about the achievement of the event's core objective of drawing attention to environmental sustainability, an issue that’s very close to my heart,” said Waithira, the 2026 Champion.
The tournament reaffirmed SkyTeam's role in bringing its member airlines and wider industry stakeholders together, demonstrating how partnerships and shared experiences can keep environmental responsibility firmly on the aviation industry's agenda.
Joris Holtus, the General Manager for East and Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, added: “Platforms such as the SkyTeam Golf Tournament help build the relationships and shared understanding needed to turn common priorities, like a just transition to environmental sustainability, into collective action.”
The competition also provided a platform for stakeholders from the public and private sectors to engage beyond conventional business relationships, using sport as a vehicle for dialogue and collaboration. Participants exchanged perspectives and explored areas of common interest in the development of the aviation industry.