By Betty Luke
A new soccer initiative has been hailed for transforming lives of young people in Laikipia’s Chumvi and Hedhi villages by promoting a peaceful coexistence among the local residents.
The Kalanchoe football tournament, launched last December and which will run annually, seeks to bridge ethnic and social differences by fostering teamwork among the youths.
Six teams from the two villages engaged in a three-week-long practice ahead of the final match between Nkusero and Edhi football clubs at Chumvi Primary School grounds on December 23, 2024.
Philanthropist Rose Hulse, the founder of the initiative, noted that it sought to unite youths through meaningful engagements so they are not lured into criminal activities like cattle rustling.
“This is the starting point to bring everyone together for meaningful conversations that seek solutions to challenges that young people face and for them to forge forward as one,”she said during an interview at Kalanchoe farm.
Nkusero received a Sh100,000 award after emerging the winner in the competition.
Laikipia County Secretary Koinange Wahome hailed that initiative for what he termed as reinforcing efforts by the county government to address social ills mainly affecting the young people in the region.
He said although they undertaken several youth empowerment initiatives, there existed a gap that if properly filled would address disunity and promote to a better society.
“Idleness breeds criminals as people engage in activities that add no value. We call on other partners and well wishers to consider supporting the youth to realize and grow their talents,”he said.
Resident James Olekinyaga called for sustainability of the project to continually transform lives.
Ms Hulse revealed that she intends to begin a wine production venture, using grapes, at her farm to create job opportunities for the young people in the area noting there existed a local market for Kenyan wine.
“There exists a lot of opportunities in the wine production sector that remains unexplored. I will also enlighten the local communities to start the same for empowerment,”she said.
Ms Hulse whose background is in Media Technology also intends to begin mentoring young girls into embracing technology at a younger age for them to gain a strong foundation while growing up.
