In the narrow alleys of Mathare Section 3A, where crowded homes stand side by side and children navigate muddy paths pursuing worn footballs, a modest community effort is gradually altering the trajectories of numerous young lives.
At the heart of this transformation lies Kambi Safi Community Based Organisation, a youth-led initiative established in 2012 with a straightforward objective of steering young individuals away from criminal activities by providing them with chances to work, play, and aspire once more.
The organization commenced with a car wash enterprise before later introducing an ablution block offering water, toilets, and bathrooms to residents in the informal settlement.
What started as an effort to generate employment for idle youth has evolved into a community movement supporting dozens of families directly and hundreds of youngsters indirectly through sports, mentorship, and social assistance.
“We considered that instead of constantly urging young people to cease criminal behavior, why not create something that can employ them and assist in saving them and their families,” explained Kambi Safi chairperson Paul Peter Kadess.
“Many of them lacked purpose at that time, but today some have families, others have acquired motorbikes, and numerous have completely transformed.”
Currently, the organization collaborates closely with Nyumba Kumi officials, police officers, and local administrators to tackle security concerns in the region.
The car wash operation alone employs more than 20 young individuals, while the ablution block has created additional employment for youth who previously spent most of their time wandering the streets.
Some of those employed are school graduates who temporarily work at the facility while seeking permanent opportunities elsewhere.
The initiative has also emerged as a secure environment for children passionate about football. Through partnerships with organizations and companies willing to support grassroots talent, Kambi Safi has succeeded in keeping many children occupied after school hours.
Recently, Safaricom via its S-Hook initiative joined forces with the organization to support four local football teams with uniforms, footballs, tactical boards, and goalkeeper gloves during a tournament held at the Mcedo Beijing Grounds in Mathare.
For many children, the support signified more than just football equipment. It was an indication that individuals beyond the crowded settlement recognized their abilities and potential.
Four teams, including two girls’ teams, participated in the seven-a-side tournament as parents, residents, and coaches cheered from the sidelines.
“We have collaborated with these youth since many were involved in drugs and crime, and we discovered their talent,” stated Linda Jica, Safaricom’s regional marketing lead for Nairobi.
“We aim to help them comprehend that sports can revolutionize their lives and enable them to reach regional and national competitions through Chapa Dimba.”
Among those hoping football will change their future is 14-year-old goalkeeper Lillian Kalimaroda, who has played for four years despite frequent injuries from rough playing surfaces filled with stones.
She mentioned that most teams in Mathare train without proper equipment, exposing players to injuries weekly.
Nevertheless, she continues attending practice sessions after school, committed to improving her skills and pursuing football seriously.
“Safaricom’s visit has demonstrated that people outside Mathare can recognize our potential. These opportunities make us believe we can advance step by step and perhaps completely transform our futures,” expressed the young player from Flames FC.
Another player, Hassan Gichinga, stated that the absence of proper playing fields and first aid kits remains one of the greatest challenges for young footballers within the settlement.
Every evening after school, he joins teammates at training sessions organized by volunteer coaches who persist in supporting them despite limited resources.
“We play on fields covered with stones and frequently sustain injuries, but we continue because we love football,” Gichinga said.
“If we had better fields, boots, and first aid kits, many more children would participate and believe they can excel through sports.”
Despite the advancements, Kambi Safi leaders acknowledge that challenges such as substance abuse, poverty, and unemployment continue to threaten many young people in the area.
Limited resources also imply that only a few teams can benefit from tournaments and sponsorships simultaneously, leaving many others struggling to remain engaged.
Nonetheless, community members believe the initiative has already modified the atmosphere within certain parts of Mathare by providing children with constructive activities to focus on after school.
As the final whistle blew during the tournament and players raised their trophies before cheering crowds, hope momentarily superseded the harsh realities surrounding them. For residents, that hope is increasingly undeniable.