NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan tennis sensation Angella Okutoyi has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the start of her full-time professional career, appealing to fans and well-wishers locally and internationally to help her compete at the highest level of the sport.
Okutoyi, who made history in 2022 by winning the Wimbledon junior girls’ doubles title, is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most promising tennis talents.
She is currently studying at Auburn University in Alabama on a full scholarship while competing on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) professional tour. Since November 2022, she has won 17 professional titles and reached 26 finals.
Her career-high rankings stand at 414 in singles and 223 in doubles. She is currently ranked seventh in Africa and has defeated five of the six players ranked above her on the continent over the past two years.
Despite her steady rise, Okutoyi says financial barriers remain the biggest obstacle to transitioning into full-time professional tennis.
Only the top 125 players globally, she noted, typically earn enough prize money to sustainably cover annual expenses. For her, the cost of competing professionally is estimated at nearly Sh40 million per year, covering travel, coaching, accommodation, medical support, and training.
“I believe in my ability to get to the top. I certainly have the determination to do so,” Okutoyi said.
“But ability and determination alone cannot be enough. For me to compete on a level playing field, I will need at least Sh40 million per annum to cover the costs of my coaching team.”
Through the crowdfunding campaign, Okutoyi aims to raise Sh10 million, inviting supporters to contribute any amount.
At the time of publication, the campaign had raised just under Sh9,000, with 81 days remaining before it closes.
The initiative also offers special-edition merchandise, including t-shirts and hoodies, as a token of appreciation for donors who contribute above specified thresholds.
Okutoyi disclosed that she has already secured one corporate sponsor and is in discussions with physiotherapy and nutrition partners to support her professional journey.
Her efforts have also drawn institutional backing. The government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, has pledged full support to facilitate her transition into full-time professional tennis.
The ministry committed to funding key aspects of her tour, including flights, coaching, competition fees, and equipment.
In addition, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) awarded Okutoyi the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship in January 2026.
The scholarship, valued at approximately Sh6.5 million, will provide targeted technical and financial support through August 2028.
As she balances academic commitments with professional competition, Okutoyi says the combined support from fans, sponsors, and institutions will be critical to sustaining her momentum on the global tennis stage.