Over 300 Players From Across Africa Battle for Glory at Timba XO International Pool Carnival in Eldoret
By Isaac Kogey
Eldoret City is currently hosting Africa’s largest pool tournament, the Timba XO International Pool Carnival which has drawn over 300 players from across the continent.
The prestigious competition is taking place at Timba XO Club and boasts a total prize purse of Ksh 7 million.
The tournament, which officially kicked off earlier this week, will run until Sunday, when the finals for both the men’s and women’s categories will be held.
Timba XO Club Manager David Tuwei said the tournament was organized not just as a competition but as a platform to promote and nurture local talent in the fast-growing sport of pool.
“This is our first edition of the tournament, and it gives us an exciting opportunity to support and elevate the immense talent we have in this sport,” said Tuwei.
“Pool is gaining popularity across the country, and we want to give it the recognition it deserves.”
Martin Kihato, the Tournament Director from the Kenya Pool and Billiards Federation (KPBF), praised the event’s scale and significance, calling it a landmark moment for cue sports in Kenya.
“This is the biggest pool tournament ever held in Kenya. It has attracted world-class players and provides an incredible platform for our local talent to gain exposure and experience,” said Kihato.
KPBF Director and top player Keruihe added that pool has come a long way in Kenya, noting how the sport once battled stigma for being associated with idleness and crime among the youth.
“Pool was once misunderstood, but today it’s one of the most rewarding sports in the country. Tournaments like Timba XO are helping to reshape its image and inspire more young people to take it seriously,”
The international draw is impressive, with 30 players from Uganda, 20 from Tanzania, eight each from Zimbabwe and South Africa, five from South Sudan, and others from Malawi and beyond, underscoring the tournament’s regional appeal.
