The vibrant town of Kairi, nestled in the heart of Gatundu North Sub-County, witnessed an inspiring display of community spirit, sportsmanship, and rising talent yesterday, as the Ashidi Kiambu Community Organisation (AKCO) hosted the much-anticipated AKCO Darts Tournament – Edition 2 at the AKCO Sports & Talents Grounds.
The event, which took place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, marked a significant leap in community sports engagement, attracting a record-breaking 76 participants — almost double the attendance of the inaugural edition. Players, fans, and local leaders flocked to the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the growing popularity of darts in rural Kenya.
Acko Darts
A Celebration of Growth in Grassroots Sports
This second edition of the tournament was more than a game — it was a clear statement that darts is gaining strong momentum across Gatundu North. Organized in partnership with the Gatundu North Darts Organisation, the tournament aimed to give local players a platform to showcase their talent, build confidence, and foster unity.
According to Sir David Ngugi, President of AKCO, the turnout and enthusiasm were overwhelming.
“We began this journey with just 40 participants in our first edition. Yesterday, we hosted 76 players and fans, and it was powerful to witness how much interest the sport has generated in just a few months,” said Ngugi.
The dramatic increase in participation not only validated AKCO’s vision of grassroots talent development but also set the stage for even bigger sports events in the near future.
After hours of intense competition, Team Kamwangi emerged as the ultimate winners of Edition 2. Their skill, teamwork, and composure set them apart in a tightly contested final match.
The champions were awarded:
A cash prize
Free AKCO membership, which grants access to exclusive talent development programs
A symbolic gift of five Hass avocados each — a blend of sports victory and agricultural pride
The awards ceremony was filled with cheers and laughter, but perhaps the most heartwarming part was that every participant received a certificate and recognition. At AKCO, the mantra is clear: everyone is a winner when they show up and give their best.
Team Kamwangi Won The Tounerment
Bigger Plans Ahead: The AKCO Darts Academy and Official Team
One of the key highlights from the event was the announcement of future initiatives aimed at institutionalizing the darts program under AKCO. Plans are now underway to establish the AKCO Darts Team and the AKCO Darts Academy.
These initiatives will:
Recruit and professionally train standout players
Offer structured practice sessions and mentorship
Prepare teams to represent Gatundu North at national and international levels
“The level of talent we saw yesterday is world-class. We are no longer just playing darts for fun — we’re preparing to compete across Kenya and beyond,” said Ngugi.
Bigger Plans Ahead: The AKCO Darts Academy and Official Team
A Community Rallies Behind Talent and Unity
The tournament also highlighted the powerful role of community-driven initiatives in building social cohesion, engaging the youth, and reducing idleness.
Local volunteers, elders, and youth groups contributed to the event’s success. The AKCO volunteer team ensured seamless coordination, while local vendors benefited from increased business activity on the tournament day.
“We had food stalls, local musicians performing, and children cheering for their favorite teams. It was more than a tournament — it was a true community festival,” said one of the volunteers.
Digital Engagement: Join the AKCO Darts Movement
AKCO has also embraced digital platforms to extend engagement beyond the physical event. The organization invites all darts lovers and sports enthusiasts to join their official AKCO Darts WhatsApp Group where updates, training schedules, and future tournament announcements are shared.
This move is part of AKCO’s broader strategy to integrate digital tools in community development, connecting rural talent with national networks and information resources.
Shout Out to Partners and Media Supporters
The success of the AKCO Darts Tournament – Edition 2 would not have been possible without the support of dedicated partners, particularly the Gatundu North Darts Organisation and the AKCO volunteer staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
We at Knickpoint Media are truly honored to have been the official coverage partner for the AKCO Darts Tournament – Edition 2. We deeply appreciate the kind recognition extended to us, and we’re proud to have amplified the tournament’s impact through our high-quality reporting and digital storytelling. It brings us great joy to support such meaningful community-driven events.
“Partnerships like this are what make our vision a reality,” said Ngugi. “Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, and journalist who helped put Gatundu North’s talent on the map.” Said Sir David Ngugi
Buoyed by the success of Edition 2, AKCO is now preparing for a much larger tournament, with plans to host over 500 participants in the next edition. Invitations will be extended to darts clubs across Kiambu County and beyond.
With growing interest, expanding facilities, and professional structures being put in place, AKCO is well on its way to becoming a regional hub for talent and sports development.
Missed It? Don’t Miss the Next One
If you didn’t attend yesterday’s tournament, don’t worry — AKCO is doing it again, soon and on a bigger scale.
Now is the perfect time to:
Register as an AKCO member
Get involved in community sports
Be part of Kenya’s grassroots sports transformation
Knickpoint Media remains committed to covering positive, community-based stories that reflect the heartbeat of Kenya’s youth, talent, and local development.
Below is a photo gallery and exclusive interviews from the AKCO Darts Tournament – Edition 2.
