David Munyua Makes History at 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, Putting Kenya on the Global Stage

David Munyua’s fairy-tale run at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship ended in London, but its impact on Kenyan sport is huge. The 30-year-old veterinarian from Murang’a lost 3–0 to Dutch player Kevin Doets in the second round. Yet, his debut had already made history for Kenya in “minor” sports.

He became the first Kenyan to win a match at the world’s biggest darts tournament. Munyua stunned Belgium’s world number 18, Mike De Decker, 3–2. He overcame nerves, pressure, and even a wasp that landed on his eye mid-match. Fans and pundits called it one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The win earned him Ksh 4 million (£25,000), a life-changing sum for someone with almost no professional earnings.

Munyua only started playing darts three years ago. A friend introduced him casually. He balances competition with his full-time veterinary work in Nairobi. Despite losing to Doets, his composure and fearless approach impressed everyone.

His journey exposes challenges in less popular sports. There is limited funding, minimal exposure, and reliance on personal sacrifice. Munyua’s rise is a wake-up call. Kenya has talent beyond athletics and football. Many disciplines remain unsupported.

With modest investment, structured programs, and sponsorship, athletes like Munyua would not need miraculous wins to gain recognition. As Kenya celebrates his achievement, the responsibility now lies with government agencies, corporate sponsors, and sports federations. Supporting “unpopular” sports is not charity. Munyua has shown that with belief, opportunity and backing, Kenyan excellence can hit the bullseye anywhere in the world.