From the grassroots to the nation: How community tournaments are shaping Kenya’s football future

Kenya’s football future may well be taking shape far from the floodlights of major stadiums, in community grounds where passion, opportunity and raw talent intersect. Across the country, grassroots tournaments are increasingly emerging as critical building blocks for national football development — and the Kata Tenje Back to School Football Tournament is a growing example of that impact.

Currently underway at Tumaini Primary School Grounds in Embakasi West, Umoja, Nairobi County, the tournament brings together boys and girls aged between 13 and 15, offering a structured and competitive platform during the school holiday period.

While rooted in the local community, the initiative reflects a broader national conversation on how Kenya can better identify, nurture and retain young football talent.

Organized by the Kata Tenje Self-Help Group, the tournament goes beyond results on the pitch. Its focus is on exposure, mentorship and character development — elements widely regarded as missing links in Kenya’s football pipeline.

Veteran coach Stanley Okumbi, who has worked at both club and national team level, used the tournament to reinforce the value of grassroots football in building sustainable success.

“I’ve been in football for many years, even at the top level, but sometimes I feel that when the youth are playing at the grassroots, that’s where we truly belong,” Okumbi said.

Okumbi noted that informal settlements and community tournaments are often overlooked by mainstream scouting networks, despite producing players with natural ability and hunger to succeed.

“This is where unknown talent is. Elite trainers rarely come to the slums or grassroots because they want ready-made players, yet this is where complete players begin.”

He revealed that even during his time with national teams, he intentionally returned to grassroots setups to inspire young players.

“When they see someone who has been there, they gain belief and trust that one day they can make it to the highest level,” he added.

That belief is central to the vision of Kata Tenje Self-Help Group chairman and Police FC goalkeeper Job Ochieng, who sees the tournament as both a football and social intervention.

“Growing up, the support I received was mainly for books. Football did not have the kind of support it has today,” Ochieng said.

Ochieng revealed that the initiative has drawn support from Kenya Premier League players, underlining a growing willingness among professionals to invest back into grassroots development.

“This program is about giving these children the support we never had and helping them grow through football,” he noted.

He also urged parents to view football as a viable pathway rather than a distraction.

“Football is more than just playing. It can open doors to many opportunities beyond the pitch and so it is a rallying call for parents to not only engage their children in our program just because of crime and other negative factors,” he said. “Let them also genuinely support their genuine interests in terms of football talent.”

As Kenya continues to grapple with the challenge of rebuilding its football structures from the bottom up, initiatives like the Kata Tenje Tournament offer a compelling blueprint — one where community-driven efforts align with national aspirations.

With the right support, such platforms could become the foundation upon which the next generation of Harambee Stars and Starlets is built.