The government has promised to step in and support African Games singles champion Angella Okutoyi following her outstanding back-to-back triumphs at the W35 Nairobi tournaments, a feat that has further cemented her status as Kenya’s brightest tennis prospect.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya confirmed on Friday that the Ministry is engaging Tennis Kenya to ensure Auburn University student Okutoyi receives immediate financial and logistical backing ahead of her next international assignment in May.

“Tennis has the power to open doors, transform lives, and inspire our youth to dream beyond limitations,” said Mvurya. “I have received Angella Okutoyi’s appeal and spoken to Tennis Kenya leadership. Angella is a remarkable Kenyan talent whose journey continues to inspire many young athletes across the country.

As a Ministry, we will be engaging Tennis Kenya to explore immediate support options and ensure she is well-prepared and financially supported ahead of her next tournament in May. Our commitment remains to nurture and support our athletes as they pursue excellence.”

The assurance from the government comes on the back of another memorable week for the 21-year-old, who on January 11, 2026, won her second consecutive W35 Nairobi singles title at Parklands Sports Club.

Okutoyi defeated fourth seed Martina Colmegna of Italy 6-3, 7-6(3) in one hour and 42 minutes to clinch the W35 Nairobi 2 crown. She dominated on serve, winning 34 of 51 first-serve points compared to Colmegna’s 29 of 49. The victory followed her win a week earlier in the W35 Nairobi 1 final, where she beat the same opponent 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Each singles title earned Okutoyi Sh626,940 (USD 4,860), while her two doubles titles from the tournaments brought in an additional Sh227,298. In total, she pocketed Sh1,481,178 (USD 11,482) in prize money.

Beyond the financial rewards, Okutoyi collected a combined 70 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) points in singles and doubles. Her career-best rankings of 491 in singles and 252 in doubles have now improved to 476 and 236, respectively. She had arrived in Nairobi ranked 561 in singles and 252 in doubles, underlining the scale of her progress over the fortnight.

An emotional Okutoyi said the victories were a result of improved decision-making and mental strength.

“It feels good. I played smarter this match than last week and I’m glad I got the win. I was more patient and confident,” said Okutoyi.

“Having a career high in both singles and doubles means the world to me. I’m just happy and I will keep working on my game even more.

Being congratulated by His Excellency the President William Ruto and Sports CS Salim Mvurya and many other Kenyans means a lot; at least tennis is being recognised. I hope anyone out there watching gets hope. You can do it, and you’re stronger than you think. I’m dedicating my wins in Nairobi to my late aunt, Cynthia Okutoyi.”

With government backing now on the horizon, Angella Okutoyi’s historic Nairobi double could mark a turning point in her push up the global tennis rankings, and a powerful signal for the future of Kenyan tennis.