How a local team in Majengo Is giving youth a reason to hope
In the narrow streets of Majengo, Kamukunji, Chipukizi FC has quietly grown into a lifeline for local youth. What began as a youth-led self-help group has become a community football team offering structure, support, and a sense of purpose.
In Majengo, Kamukunji Constituency, amid narrow streets and tightly packed buildings, a grassroots football team is quietly shaping the lives of young people.
Known as Chipukizi FC, the team was born from a self-help group that initially tackled local environmental issues. Over time, it grew into something greater—a source of purpose, discipline, and community for dozens of youths.
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“My name is Mohamed Bakari. I am the captain of Chipukizi Football Club,” begins the calm, assured voice of a man who serves not only as captain, but also coach and mentor. Bakari has played a central role in the team’s evolution—from its early days to its current status as a fixture in the local football scene.
“Chipukizi started as an organization, a self-help group where we used to deal with environmental issues. But now, because we are young, we have to deal with issues such as GBV and drug abuse,” he explains. Football, he says, became the most effective way to engage young people and keep them focused.
The team draws its strength from the neighbourhood itself. “All the boys here are from the community. We have been together. Some have played in leagues, some have left, but we have them here,” Bakari shares. That sense of unity has helped Chipukizi FC remain active for over six years, taking part in numerous tournaments, from local friendlies to the Constituency and County Leagues.
New players are always welcome. “It is very easy to join the team because we are still on the grassroots,” says Bakari. “There are many youths here. If you are available and interested in the game, you are welcome to join the team.”
Bakari also manages the team’s day-to-day affairs, ensuring games are organised and played without incident. “I prepare the games on time, everything is ready. I have to confirm everything with the opponent before the match so that the game will be played. Most of the time, there are no quarrels—the game will be played.”
Still, the team faces challenges, especially when it comes to infrastructure. “The biggest challenge we face as a team is the facilities,” Bakari admits. “When you look at the facilities of the game, they are very challenging. But the interest of the players is very high, their appearance is active, so the little things that are required, the little issues, those things can be a challenge.”
Despite these hurdles, Chipukizi FC has chalked up achievements that continue to inspire. “We were semi-finalists in the Constituency League, we were number three. There were certificates we had received from the Constituency League. We even won a gold medal which is at the office,” Bakari recalls with quiet pride.
Looking back at what they’ve built, Bakari remains hopeful. “There are small challenges, but we are trying to overcome them. Because we have already seen our achievements. At least, when we look at what we have achieved at the office, we see that we can achieve so much more.”
From its humble beginnings as a clean-up initiative to its role as a football club that addresses social issues and builds community, Chipukizi FC stands as a living example of what commitment and local support can achieve.
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