The KGU was set up in 1928 to act as the national representative of all golfing clubs in Kenya. The KGU's tasks include promotion of the game and maintaining the international standards of the game in the country.

Other duties range from maintaining a uniform men's handicapping system, control, management and organisation of the Kenya Open Golf Championship, the Kenya Men's Amateur Championships and the open Kenyan events, to maintaining and upholding the Rules of Golf and acting as arbitrator in disputes regarding rules and their interpretations. A detailed list of responsibilities and a brief history of the Union is also available.

An annual general meeting of the Kenya Golf Union is held each year in May. The main duties at this meeting is to elect the Chairman and the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is then responsible for the work of the Union subject to the General Council.

When any matter of importance arises it is discussed and decided at the General Council Meeting at which each member club is entitled to be represented and vote.

The day-to-day problems which arise are entrusted to the Executive Committee, but all decisions of this Committee are subject to review by the General Council. Since its formation, however, the work of the Union has grown to such an extent that it has become necessary to form permanent sub-committees working within the Executive Committee to deal with separately with such matters as rules (interpretation and approval of local rules), The Junior Golf Activities and The Kenya Open Championship.

The Union does not interfere with the domestic affairs of clubs, all it is concerned with is the organisation of the game as a whole, the arranging of certain events and tours by visiting teams and giving advice to clubs when asked. One of its most important function is the maintaining of a uniform system of handicapping in line with that adopted in other parts of the world.

The Union also produces each year a golfing calender giving the dates of all open competitions and events played under the aegis of the Union. This is necessary to avoid fixture clashing and to ensure each club is allotted a fair share of the open events approved.