Peter Wachiuri raised his fists in triumph as he closed in on victory at the Jacaranda showground in Kenya's Nakuru city. Ahead of rival James Kamama in the main final, Wachiuri returned to the oche, chose a dart from his left hand, leaned in with sharp focus on the board, and landed double 10.

"Game shot!" the announcer declared across the venue. The crowd erupted in cheers while gospel music filled the air and Wachiuri broke into a joyful dance on stage.

The two-day Match Play 2 event attracted 161 entrants from across the nation. "The tournament ran smoothly and every competitor performed well," a delighted Wachiuri told the audience ahead of the prize ceremony.

Following a long period of decline, darts is experiencing a strong comeback in Kenya. Darts development and promotion bodies laid the foundation three years ago by creating leagues and events that turned the activity more professional. As Dann Karori, co-founder of Sirua Darts which ran the Nakuru competition, noted: "We aim to position Kenya as Africa's darts capital."

The breakthrough came last year when veterinarian David Munyua became the first Kenyan to reach the PDC World Darts Championship at London's Alexandra Palace. Beyond qualifying, Munyua defeated Belgian 18th seed Mike De Decker in round one, delivering one of the event's greatest surprises.

"Munyua's performance triggered a huge wave of interest," said 42-year-old Manpreet Kalsi, a mall manager and top player in the opening Sirua Darts Circuit season. "Everyone thought if they can succeed, so can we."

Wachiuri first tried darts at a Ngong bar simply to pass time. His attachment grew once he began earning enough from match bets to support his household.

Known as the "Kenyan King," he left his lorry-driving role to concentrate on darts and now ranks among the country's leading players, inspiring others to follow.

In 2024, just before Munyua's success, Wachiuri came within one dart of reaching the world championship but missed narrowly during African qualifiers in Nairobi.

Kalsi has played since the 1990s, when his Nairobi family held weekly matches during home barbecues. He captured a junior title around age 14, paused for a decade, then resumed and joined Nairobi's Mang darts club in amateur Kenya Darts Association events.

Nicknamed "The Prince," he joined Wachiuri in competing at the Modus Super Series in Portsmouth, England, for players without PDC tour cards.

Like many Kenyan competitors, both also enter events run by Sirua and the African Darts Group, a development body started by South African Devon Petersen.

Long embedded in bar and club life, Kenyan darts peaked in the 1980s and 1990s after national broadcaster coverage of the KBL Festival of Darts.

Top talents such as Robert Ngirigacha, John Munyui, Anne Wairimu and Mary Njogu represented the country at the World Darts Federation World Cup.

Yet weak administration and limited sponsorship caused interest to fade by the early 2000s.

Sirua Darts, launched in 2022 by Karori, Penny Mubea and Jeff Muriithi, now leads the revival. The trio believed structured support would let Kenyan talent shine internationally.

Sirua operates a 12-week league with 20 teams and 300 players nationwide, plus tournaments and global partnerships.

Nakuru spectators were largely players, but Karori explained Sirua is building broader appeal through music, food and external promotion.

Karori noted the sport had faded for 20 years, leaving younger generations unaware. Reaching them requires "making events truly engaging," he said.

Results are visible. On the day Wachiuri met Kamama from Naivasha, darts thudded steadily into boards while players in bright kits competed and scorers updated tablets.

Outside, entrants chatted at tables between turns, sharpened darts or enjoyed drinks.

In the women's final, Millicent Wangui defeated fellow Nakuru player Daisy Kipyator. Both finals featured lively crowds, dramatic entrances and expert YouTube commentary.

Police officer Wangui observed: "Darts enthusiasm is rising fast and competitors are eager to win events that open doors abroad."

She hopes to contest PDC and Modus Super Series women's events.

Leaders agree that securing player sponsorship for overseas travel remains essential. After Nakuru, a fundraiser supported Benson Ngari, who had beaten Wachiuri in a May qualifier for the next Modus Super Series.

"Since taking up darts I have wanted to compete overseas. That moment has arrived and I feel thrilled," said 45-year-old Nairobi motorcycle taxi rider Ngari. "I am prepared but still require financial help."

Ngari obtained sponsorship for his UK trip but faced visa refusal.

At grassroots level, neighborhood teams now join SDC leagues in towns and cities.

One recent Friday evening at a Ruaka bar and restaurant outside Nairobi, G9 Mnazini players practiced with wagers ahead of SDC fixtures. Nearby in Ndenderu, Oche Addicts competed midweek at a lounge.

The Morans squad opened their new SDC season at a Parklands commercial block on Friday with amapiano music playing.

The gathering reflected the sport's progress and future direction.

Munyui, who stepped away in the early 2000s and returned three years ago, competed at the venue. Now in his 60s, he remarked: "It is good that Sirua has revived darts from where it stood."

Also present was 14-year-old Aryan Khalsa, who placed 25th in last season's SDC and is viewed by peers as the sport's rising star. "I hope to be selected for international events and eventually reach the PDC," he said.