Munyua’s dream lights the way, set to spark darts boom in Kenya

David Munyua’s fairytale run at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship may have ended in London, but its impact on Kenyan sport will resonate far beyond the Alexandra Palace stage.

The 30-year-old veterinarian from Murang’a bowed out in the second round after a 3–0 defeat to Dutchman Kevin Doets. Yet, his historic debut rewrote the narrative for Kenyan participation in so-called “minor” sports.

Munyua had already secured his place in history days earlier, becoming the first Kenyan to win a match at the world’s biggest darts tournament.

He stunned Belgium’s world number 18 Mike De Decker with a dramatic 3–2 comeback, overcoming nerves, pressure—and even a wasp that landed on his eye mid-match—to deliver what has been labelled one of the competition’s biggest upsets.

That victory not only announced Kenya’s arrival on the global darts stage but also earned Munyua at least Ksh 4million (£25,000) in prize money, a life-changing sum for a player who had almost no professional earnings before the tournament.

Remarkably, Munyua only picked up darts three years ago, introduced to the game casually by a friend, and balances international competition with full-time veterinary work in Nairobi.

While his campaign ended against the more experienced Doets, Munyua’s composure, flashes of brilliance, and fearless approach earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike.

More importantly, his journey has exposed the structural challenges facing athletes in less popular sports—limited funding, minimal exposure, and a near-total reliance on personal sacrifice and private goodwill.

Munyua’s rise should serve as a wake-up call. Kenya’s sporting potential stretches far beyond athletics and football, yet many disciplines remain underfunded and unsupported.

With modest investment, structured development programmes and sponsorship pathways, talents like Munyua would not need miracle runs to be noticed on the world stage.

As Kenya celebrates Munyua’s trailblazing feat, the onus now shifts to government agencies, corporate sponsors, and sports federations to act.

Investing in “unpopular” sports is not charity—it is an opportunity. Munyua has shown that with belief, opportunity, and backing, Kenyan excellence can hit the bullseye anywhere in the world.