Within the confined pathways of Mathare Section 3A, where closely packed housing units stand together and children navigate through dirty streets pursuing aged footballs, a modest community effort is progressively altering the life trajectories of numerous adolescents.
At the heart of this transformation stands Kambi Safi Community Based Organisation, a youth-led effort established in 2012 with the straightforward objective of diverting young individuals from criminal activities by providing them chances to work, participate in sports, and regain their aspirations.
The initiative commenced with a car wash operation, followed by the introduction of sanitation facilities offering water, toilets, and bathing amenities to inhabitants of the informal settlement.
What originated as an effort to generate employment opportunities for unoccupied youth has evolved into a community campaign directly assisting dozens of families and indirectly supporting hundreds of children via sports, guidance, and communal aid.
“We contemplated that rather than consistently advising young individuals to refrain from criminal behavior, it would be better to establish something that could employ them and assist in improving their lives and those of their families,” stated Kambi Safi chairperson Paul Peter Kadess.
“At that time, many lacked purpose, but today some have established families, others have acquired motorcycles, and numerous have undergone complete transformations.”
Currently, the organization collaborates closely with Nyumba Kumi representatives, law enforcement personnel, and local authorities to tackle security concerns within the locality.
The car wash operation alone engages over twenty young individuals, while the sanitation facilities have generated further employment opportunities for adolescents who formerly dedicated most of their time wandering the streets.
Several of the employed individuals are recent school graduates who temporarily work at the establishment while seeking permanent positions elsewhere.
The initiative has also developed into a secure environment for children enthusiastic about football. By collaborating with entities and corporations willing to support developing talent, Kambi Safi has succeeded in maintaining the engagement of numerous children after school hours.
During the current week, Safaricom via its S-Hook initiative joined forces with the organization to equip four local football squads with uniforms, balls, tactical planning boards, and goalkeeper gloves during a tournament conducted at the Mcedo Beijing Grounds in Mathare.
For many children, this assistance signified more than mere sports equipment. It demonstrated that individuals beyond the congested settlement had faith in their abilities and potential.
Four teams, comprising two girls’ squads, participated in the seven-a-side tournament while guardians, community members, and coaches offered encouragement from the sidelines.
“We have collaborated with these young individuals since many were engaged in substance abuse and criminal activities, and we recognized their aptitude,” remarked Linda Jica, Safaricom’s regional marketing director for Nairobi.
“We desire for them to comprehend that athletics can reshape their lives and facilitate their advancement to regional and national stages through Chapa Dimba.”
Among those anticipating that football will alter their future is 14-year-old goalkeeper Lillian Kalimaroda, who has participated for four years despite experiencing regular injuries from uneven playing surfaces covered with stones.
She mentioned that most teams in Mathare practice without adequate gear, subjecting players to injuries on a weekly basis.
Nevertheless, she persistently attends training sessions after school, resolved to enhance her abilities and pursue football with dedication.
“Safaricom’s presence here has demonstrated to us that individuals beyond Mathare can recognize our potential. These possibilities enable us to believe we can progress step by step and potentially transform our futures entirely,” expressed the young athlete from Flames FC.
Another player, Hassan Gichinga, stated that the absence of suitable playing fields and first aid kits constitutes one of the most significant obstacles for young footballers within the community.
Each evening following school, he joins teammates at practice sessions conducted by volunteer mentors who persistently motivate them despite constrained resources.
“We compete on surfaces covered with stones and frequently sustain injuries, yet we persevere because we are passionate about football,” Gichinga stated.
“If we had improved playing areas, footwear, and first aid supplies, significantly more children would participate and believe they can achieve success through athletics.”
Despite the advancements made, Kambi Safi leaders acknowledge that difficulties including substance abuse, poverty, and joblessness continue to endanger numerous young individuals in the region.
Restricted resources also imply that only a limited number of teams can simultaneously benefit from competitions and sponsorship prospects, causing many others to face difficulties in maintaining their engagement.
Nevertheless, community members consider that the initiative has already modified the environment within certain areas of Mathare by providing children with constructive activities to concentrate on after school hours.
When the concluding whistle sounded during the competition and players raised their trophies before cheering spectators, hope momentarily superseded the challenging circumstances enveloping them. For community residents, this hope is increasingly difficult to disregard.