ANGELLA OKUTOYI LAUNCHES SH10 MILLION FUNDRAISER FOR PRO TENNIS CAREER

Kenyan tennis star and 2022 Wimbledon girls’ doubles champion, Angella Okutoyi, has launched a fundraising campaign to secure her transition to the full-time professional tennis tour following her graduation from Auburn University in the United States this June.

At 22 years old, Okutoyi has compiled an outstanding collegiate record of 27-5 and recently claimed two professional titles on the ITF circuit. Currently ranked World No. 454 in WTA singles, her goal is to break into the Top 300 and ultimately qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. However, the costs associated with competing globally including international travel, coaching, and training present a barrier

Despite a previous public pledge of support from a government official, the sponsorship has not materialised. This funding gap has prompted Okutoyi and her team to turn to the Kenyan public and her global supporters through a M-Changa with a target of KSh10 million.

“Professional tennis is a fiercely competitive sport – of the tens of thousands of players who start out with the ambition of making it to the top, only the Top 125 in the world are able to cover their playing costs. And the journey to the Top 125 is a tough and an expensive one- favouring players from wealthy backgrounds and wealthy nations.”

The campaign offers tangible thank-you gifts for supporters, including Special Edition ‘TeamAngella’ T-shirts and hoodies for various contribution tiers. For major backers and corporate sponsors, opportunities exist for a share in future tournament earnings or brand ambassadorship roles.

Early donations have begun to trickle in, with the campaign raising approximately Sh105,926 in its initial phase.