Kenya's historic Wimbledon champion Angela Okutoyi is finally getting the support she desperately needs after making a public appeal for sponsorship to continue her professional tennis career.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has promised immediate intervention following the 20-year-old's emotional plea that went viral on social media, highlighting the financial struggles she is facing in the quest of her tennis sporting ambitions.
Okutoyi, who made history in 2022 as the first Kenyan to win a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon girls' doubles, revealed she currently has no sponsorship despite her remarkable achievements.
In the 2-minute video posted on social media on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Okutoyi is seen breaking down the harsh reality of life as a professional tennis player, explaining the mounting costs that threaten to derail her promising career.
"I need money to travel. So anyone who's out there, Safaricom, Britam, like anyone, even, I don't know, I use Uber to go to court, so any car or whatever, that would mean a lot," Okutoyi said in her appeal.
Her expenses include flight tickets, accommodation, racket stringing, tournament entry fees, balls, water, coaching fees, and gym memberships, costs that quickly add up when competing internationally.
CS Mvurya said he acted quickly after receiving Okutoyi’s appeal on Friday, January 16, 2026, noting that he had already held talks with the Kenya Tennis Federation leadership to look into urgent support measures ahead of her next tournament in May 2026.
"As a Ministry we will be engaging the Tennis Federation of Kenya to explore immediate support options and ensure she is well prepared and financially supported ahead of her next tournament in May," stated CS Mvurya.
Mvurya praised Okutoyi as a remarkable Kenyan talent whose journey inspires young athletes nationwide.
Angela Okutoyi’s Biography
Okutoyi's journey from a difficult childhood in an orphanage to the world stage has made her an inspiring figure, yet financial constraints continue to limit her potential.
Born on January 29, 2004, she and her twin sister Roselida were raised by their grandmother after their mother died during childbirth in a one-room house with limited resources.
At 14, she became the youngest player to win the Kenya Open singles title, and in 2023, she won gold at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
She became the first Kenyan woman to play a junior Grand Slam singles match at the 2022 Australian Open and later won Kenya's first ITF World Tennis Tour singles title.
Her Wimbledon triumph with Dutch partner Rose Marie Nijkamp remains the crowning achievement of her career, opening doors she never imagined possible.
Despite her success, the lack of consistent sponsorship has forced her to balance academics at Auburn University with her professional tennis aspirations while struggling financially.
The government's intervention offers hope that Kenya's trailblazing tennis star can finally focus on what she does best, winning tournaments and inspiring the next generation of African athletes.
