Kenya stamped its authority on home soil as the hosts claimed all four singles titles at the ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships, staged at the Nairobi Club from January 14–17.
The tournament, which featured the region’s top juniors in the 16-and-under and 14-and-under categories, ended with four Kenyan champions emerging: Bathsheba Ogamba, Indiatsi Olembo, Nancy Kawira, and Jeff Okuku.
In the girls’ 14-and-under final, top seed Bathsheba Ogamba—popularly known as Sheba—met expectations with a composed 6-2, 6-4 victory over second seed Paula Ouko in an all-Kenyan showdown.
The 13-year-old displayed remarkable poise throughout the week, receiving a first-round bye before cruising past Uganda’s Florence Nabulime, Tanzania’s Janeth Masawe, and Burundi’s Camilla Koroma to reach the final.
Overcome with emotion after her win, Sheba dedicated the title to her late grandfather, Raphael Kabaka Shieni, noting that the tournament tested her resilience and taught her to fight through difficult moments.
The boys’ 14-and-under crown was secured by second seed Indiatsi Olembo, known as Indy, who produced a dominant performance.
After a first-round bye, he did not drop a set all tournament, sealing the title with an emphatic 6-0, 6-2 win over Burundi’s seventh seed Abdoul Nduwimana in the final.
In the girls’ 16-and-under category, second seed Nancy Kawira once again had the upper hand over top seed Seline Ahoya, claiming a 6-2, 6-3 victory in a repeat of last year’s final. Kawira’s steady play and composure under pressure saw her overcome Burundi’s Ange Ishimwe in the semifinals, while Ahoya battled through a tense encounter against Marie Kezakimana.
The boys’ 16-and-under final delivered high drama, with top seed Jeff Okuku edging third seed Dan Arck Muterampuhwe 7-6(4), 7-5 in a closely contested match.
Describing the victory as “unbelievable,” Okuku credited his fearless approach for earning his first East African title, which he dedicated to his mother Rita, his coach Rosemary Owino, his friends, and his support system at 254 Racquet Club.
With competitors from nine countries taking part, focus now shifts to the team championships beginning January 18, where Kenya will be looking to extend its impressive run.
