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Isaac Makokha with the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitation trophy: Image Credit - Kenya Golf Union

ISAAC Makokha etched his name onto the NCBA Railway Invitation winners’ list following a one-stroke victory over defending champion Michael Karanga at the 2025 edition of the tournament, held at his home course, Kenya Railway Golf Club.

The win on Sunday brought to an end a two-year title drought for Makokha who carded a five-under-par 211 after 54 holes of golf in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. He sealed the win with a brilliant birdie putt on the 18th hole.

His last victory was at the Uhuru Shield Trophy at Royal Nairobi Golf Club in 2023. The Kenyan golfer opened the tournament with an impressive four-under-par 68, carding six birdies and two bogeys. He then followed it up with a 71 on moving day where he made five birdies and four bogeys. He then signed for a closing 72 which featured five birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey on the par-four eighth hole, enough to see him edge a charging Karanga who carded four-under-par 212 with round scores of 72, 72 and 68. John Lejirma finished in third place on one-over-par 217, while Fidhelis Kimanzi and Muthaiga’s Daniel Kiragu secured fourth and fifth positions on nine-over-par 225 and 10-over-par 226 respectively.

Makokha won the 2020 Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship before making history as Kenya’s first-ever Deaflympics golf medalist, claiming bronze at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil.