The Kamau Wairuri Foundation run a football tournament in Kangema District to promote sports amongst the youth and also educate them on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
The tournament was birthed following a request by local stakeholders for the foundation to address the neglect of sports and the creative sector in the district. As Dr. Wairuri noted, “We sat down with all team captains and agreed that a tournament was the best way to support the teams,” Wairuri said.
The stakeholders decried the poor state of the facilities they use, the lack of uniforms as well as balls. Following their requests, the foundation facilitated the teams with playing kits that included balls, jerseys, shorts and socks. Each team was also provided with two new balls.
The inaugural tournament, under the moniker Dr Kamau Wairuri Cup, took place between September 19 and October 13, 2024. It brought together eight teams, among them, Kangema Wazee FC, Colorado FC, Nyakahura FC, Kahiti FC, Kanorero FC, Kangema United FC, Kiairathe FC and Rocks FC.
Following the knock out round and the semi-finals, the final match was held between Kangema Wazee FC and Kangema United as the General Kago stadium. The exhilarating game demonstrated the incredible talent that exists in the district but which, as Dr Kamau decried, remains untapped.
In a packed stadium, the two teams ended with a 1-1 draw at full time, leaving the determination of the winners to a penalty shootout. The intensity of the game rose with each shot taken. In the end, Kangema Wazee FC took the trophy having beaten Kangema United 5-4.
The foundation also offered cash prizes, of varying amounts, to all the teams that took part in the tournament. This is a crucial investment in the teams to enable them fund some of their operations.
In his remarks, Dr Wairuri underscored the role that sports and arts play, not only in keeping youths engaged and away from harmful behaviours, but also as meaningful sources of income for young people. Unfortunately, these sectors have remained neglected by leaders. This, he said, has left thousands of youths wallowing in poverty while they’re sitting on talents that could propel them towards economic productivity.
“Many of these youths are very talented. They only lack the exposure needed to hone their talents and convert them into income earners”, Dr Kamau noted.
Speaking at the same event, Mr Maina, a local resident, commended the foundation noting that it had achieved something tremendous. He noted that young people are often seen as an afterthought but the foundation had prioritised them in its programming. He urged the foundation to keep the focus and engage young people even further.
He added that thousands of local youths have lost hope, a situation that has been worsened by lack of jobs. He further noted that players have little time and energy to engage in activities that could see them facing the law or negatively impact their lives.
Jane Waithera, a mother of three youthful men from Iyego area said such activities are needed to keep youths engaged and away from destructive habits. “We have many youths in the villages that require guidance in order to get their lives moving in the right direction,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the team captains, Mr Kibe, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the successful tournament. In his part, he was all praises for the professional manner in which the tournament was organised. “It was a well organised tournament, devoid of petty politics that often put players at risk,” he said. He commended the team for recruiting for engaging professional referees which he said is the basis of good competitions.