Mombasa, Kwale youth turn to football to combat drug abuse, crime

A section of youth participate in the football tournament at Mwahima Stadium.

Youth in Mombasa and Kwale counties have embraced football as a platform to enhance security, combat drug abuse and criminal activity and promote education.

Through the European Union-funded Kujenga Amani initiative, football is being used to foster peaceful coexistence, while also stressing the importance of education and security.

CEO of Samba Sports Youth Agenda, Mohammed Mwachausa, said that the Kujenga Amani project involves 3,000 young people both male and female, mostly students, from areas like Maskani known for high insecurity.

According to Mwachausa, the project aims to provide a positive outlet for the youth by engaging them in sports, and ultimately creating a conducive environment for learning and peace to thrive as well as the well-being of the community.

“Our main goal is to steer the youth away from criminal activities and drug abuse, recognizing the pivotal role peace plays in fostering growth and development,” he said.

Samba Sports Youth Agenda CEO addresses youth during a peace tournament at Mwahima Stadium in Likoni, Mombasa county

Mwachausa noted that the six-month Kujenga Amani project is already yielding positive results.

He said many young people, once caught up in negative activities, have now taken on the role of peace advocates in their communities which he termed as a remarkable transformation.

Mwachausa said that football has played a crucial role in helping the youth redirect their focus toward education and personal development, allowing them to nurture their talents, and improve in their academics and extra-curricular activities.

Kujenga Amani project officer at Samba Sports, Kadzo Jali, added that the initiative targets youth from diverse backgrounds, aiming to promote unity and understanding in communities vulnerable to conflict.

She explained that football is integrated with life-skills training to create a safe and constructive environment where young people can express themselves, learn, and appreciate the value of teamwork both on and off the field.

“We want to show them that differences don’t need to divide us. Through dialogue, they learn conflict resolution strategies, and through sports, they discover the power of collaboration,” said Kadzo.

She also said that the programme incorporates local leaders, mentors, and counselors to ensure participants also receive comprehensive emotional support.

Samba Sports Youth Agenda’s Kujenga Amani project officer Kadzo Jali during the peace tournament at Mwahima Stadium.

According to Kadzo, the initiative has been impactful, with many youth becoming more disciplined in schools and embracing peaceful conflict resolution approaches.

Likoni MCA Athman Mwamiri hailed the project for providing a vital platform for young people to not only develop their talents but also gain essential soft skills.

“This programme has been transformative for our youth. It aligns with the government’s commitment to youth education and empowerment, which are critical in fostering peace and stability in our communities,” he said.

Mwamiri urged stakeholders, including the political class, to support programmes that focus on education and skills development, as they create lasting impact by addressing the underlying issues of conflict and unemployment among the youth.

By Shaban Omar 

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