In the narrow alleys of Mathare Section 3A, where crowded homes sit shoulder to shoulder and children weave through muddy paths chasing worn out footballs, a small community initiative is slowly changing the direction of many young lives.
At the centre of it all is Kambi Safi Community Based Organisation, a youth driven initiative that began in 2012 with a simple goal of pulling young people away from crime by giving them opportunities to work, play and dream again.
The organisation started with a car wash business before later introducing an ablution block that provides water, toilets and bathrooms to residents in the informal settlement.
What began as an attempt to create jobs for idle youth has now grown into a community movement supporting dozens of families directly and hundreds of children indirectly through sports, mentorship and social support.
“We thought instead of always preaching to young people to stop crime, why not start something that can employ them and help save them and their families,” Kambi Safi chairperson Paul Peter Kadess said.
“Many of them had no direction at that time, but today some have families, others have bought motorbikes and many have changed completely.”
Stephen Maundu, Safaricom’s territory business lead, Nairobi, hands over football kits to Denis Odhiambo and other players from Young Cranes 4B, Beijing Raisers FC, Flames FC and True Colours under Kambi Safi community at Mcedo Beijing School Grounds in Mathare /ALICE WAITHERAToday, the organisation works closely with Nyumba Kumi officials, police officers and local administrators to address insecurity in the area.
The car wash alone employs more than 20 young people, while the ablution block has created additional jobs for youth who previously spent most of their time roaming the streets.
Some of those employed are school leavers, who temporarily work at the facility as they search for permanent opportunities elsewhere.
The initiative has also become a safe space for children passionate about football. Through partnerships with organisations and companies willing to support grassroots talent, Kambi Safi has managed to keep many children occupied after school hours.
This week, Safaricom through its S-Hook initiative partnered with the organisation to support four local football teams with kits, footballs, tactical boards and goalkeeper gloves during a tournament held at the Mcedo Beijing Grounds in Mathare.
For many children, the support represented more than just football equipment. It was a sign that someone beyond the crowded settlement believed in their talent and future.
Four teams, including two girls’ teams, took part in the seven aside tournament as parents, residents and coaches cheered from the touchlines.
Stephen Maundu, Safaricom’s territory business lead, Nairobi, hands over football kits for four football teams to Kambi Safi Community chairperson Peter with Susan Muthoka from Safaricom’s Youth Segment at Mcedo Beijing School Grounds in Mathare /ALICE WAITHERA“We have worked with these youth from the time many of them were involved in drugs and crime, and we realised they have talent,” said Linda Jica, Safaricom’s regional marketing lead for Nairobi.
“We want them to understand that sports can transform their lives and help them reach regional and national platforms through Chapa Dimba.”
Among those hoping football changes their future is 14-year-old goalkeeper Lillian Kalimaroda, who has played for four years despite frequent injuries from rough playing grounds filled with stones.
She said most teams in Mathare train without proper equipment, exposing players to injuries every week.
Still, she continues attending practice sessions after school, determined to improve her skills and pursue football seriously.
“Safaricom coming here has shown us that people outside Mathare can still see our potential. These opportunities make us believe we can move from one step to another and maybe change our future completely,” said the young player from Flames FC.
Another player, Hassan Gichinga, said the lack of proper playing grounds and first aid kits remains one of the biggest challenges for young footballers within the settlement.
Boys participating in a football match at Kambi Safi in Mathare, Nairobi county, on May 20, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERAEvery evening after school, he joins teammates at training sessions organised by volunteer coaches who continue pushing them despite limited resources.
“We play on grounds full of stones and many times we get injured, but we still keep going because we love football,” Gichinga said.
“If we had better grounds, boots and first aid kits, many more children would join and believe they can succeed through sports.”
Despite the progress, Kambi Safi leaders admit that challenges such as drug abuse, poverty and unemployment still threaten many young people in the area.
Limited resources also mean only a few teams can benefit from tournaments and sponsorship opportunities at a time, leaving many others struggling to remain active.
Even so, community members believe the initiative has already changed the atmosphere within sections of Mathare by giving children something positive to focus on after school.
As the final whistle blew during the tournament and players lifted their trophies before dancing crowds, hope briefly replaced the harsh realities surrounding them. For residents, that hope is becoming harder to ignore.
