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.