Mudanyi took control after firing an eight-under-par 65 in the second round to take a three-shot lead at Nakuru Golf Club.

Edwin Mudanyi tees off during the second round of the Rift Valley Championships at the Nakuru Golf Club/HANDOUT

Karen Country Club's Edwin Mudanyi has his eyes set on the Rift Valley Championship title ahead of the final round of the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour on Tuesday at Nakuru Golf Club.

“There’s still one round to go, so I’ll need to stay patient, stick to my game plan and keep doing the simple things well.”

Mudanyi opened with a level-par round whereby he delivered a bogey-free performance on the par-73 Nakuru Golf Club course to move to eight-under-par overall.

His round featured eight birdies on holes 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 17, putting him in a strong position to claim the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour title in Nakuru.

“I’m really happy with how I played today. I was able to stay focused, take my chances and keep the mistakes off my card. The putting was good, and I managed to make the most of the opportunities I created,” said Mudanyi.

Nigeria’s Edwin Okoko and Kenya’s Simon Njogu are tied for second on five-under-par, three shots behind the leader.

Okoko produced an impressive front nine featuring five birdies on holes 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9 before adding further birdies on 12 and 13. He then sank an eagle on the 16th to briefly move to the top of the leaderboard.

However, dropped shots on the final two holes saw him finish the round tied for second.

“I played some really good golf today and gave myself plenty of opportunities. The eagle on 16 was a great moment, but the final two holes were costly,” said Okoko.

“I’m still in a good position going into the last round, and I’ll focus on staying composed and giving myself a chance to challenge for the title.”

Njogu, who began the day tied for third alongside John Lejirma, also maintained his strong form with a bogey-free four-under-par round to move to five-under overall.

His card featured birdies on holes 3 and 14, alongside an eagle on the 13th, while he played the remaining holes at par.

“I’m pleased with the consistency of my game today. I managed to avoid bogeys and took advantage of the opportunities that came my way, including the eagle on 13,” said Njogu.

“With one round remaining, the focus will be on staying disciplined, keeping the ball in play and taking my chances when they come.”

Round-one leader Dismas Indiza of Kakamega Golf Club sits fourth on four-under-par after returning a second consecutive two-under-par round.

John Karichu follows in fifth on three-under-par, while Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera is sixth on two-under-par. John Kagiri and Elvis Muigua are tied for seventh on one-under-par, completing the list of players under par after two rounds.

The top 30 players and ties will advance to Tuesday’s final round, where the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour title in Nakuru will be decided.

The championship offers a total prize purse of Sh2 million, with the winner set to pocket Sh400,000.

Players are also competing for Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points as they seek to strengthen their standings and earn opportunities to progress to the main Sunshine Tour.

The event also offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for eligible amateurs.