The government of Kenya has moved in to address the plight of Kenyan tennis star Angela Okutoyi, who recently shared a heartbreaking story of her financial struggle.

In a statement on Friday, January 16, 2026, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya confirmed intervening to support the tennis star

Mvurya revealed engaging the Tennis Kenya Federation to explore options to support the budding athlete whose groundbreaking achievement has kept Kenya on the global sporting stage.

“I have received Angella Okutoyi’s appeal and spoken to Kenya Tennis Federation leadership. Angella is a remarkable Kenyan talent whose journey continues to inspire many young athletes across the country,” Mvurya stated.

“As a ministry we will be engaging the Tennis Federation of Kenya to explore immediate support options and ensure she is well prepared and financially supported ahead of her next tournament in May.”

The former junior Wimbledon doubles champion recently made remarkable headway in his budding career, jumping 85 spots to No. 476 in the January 12 rankings after winning singles and doubles at the W35 Nairobi events, including a 6-3, 7-6(3) final over Italy’s Martina Colmegna.

The achievement placed her as the biggest mover worldwide. However, despite the success, it appears that the junior athlete has barely been scraping through.

Okutoyi’s plea for financial support

The intervention comes a day after the 22-year-old made appeals for financial support to enable her to continue her participation in the international tennis circuits.

In a viral appeal, Okutoyi, who made history by becoming the country’s first Grand Slam junior title winner in 2022, recounted how he had struggled to fund her travels and pay tournament entry fees.

She also recounted how footing for her flight tickets and other sport-related charges was threatening her continued participation in the ongoing international events.

‘I don’t have any sponsorship as of now. Anyone out there willing, I will be grateful,” part of her appeal for her help stated.