Bob Munro, founder of Mathare United, dies after battle with illness
Bob Munro, the founder of Mathare United and the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), has passed away. The news was confirmed by Mathare United on their official social media channels.
The family of Robert Donald Munro has announced the death of the renowned founder of Mathare United and the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). Munro, affectionately known as "Bob" in Kenyan football circles, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at his residence in Westlands, Nairobi.
According to a statement released by his wife, Ingrid Munro, Bob had been in and out of hospital for the past six months due to respiratory issues. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Kenyan football and community development.
Bob Munro’s journey in Kenya began in 1987 when he, alongside his wife Ingrid, moved to Nairobi. Moved by the challenges faced by children in the Mathare slums, Munro established MYSA as a means of empowering youth and promoting community development through sport. The organisation grew to become a model for youth development and has touched the lives of countless young Kenyans.
Munro’s significant contributions extended beyond grassroots football. He played a vital role in the professionalisation of the Kenyan Premier League, earning the title of the "Father of the KPL." His vision and leadership helped shape the future of football in Kenya at both the grassroots and professional levels.
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In recognition of his work, Munro was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by President William Ruto during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations. This prestigious honour was one of many accolades Bob Munro received during his lifetime, including the Help for Self-Help Prize (Oslo, 1999) and the Play the Game Award (Aarhus, 2015).
Munro’s legacy will live on through the thousands of MYSA alumni who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors of society. His commitment to giving youth a sporting chance, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on the Kenyan football landscape.
The Eastleigh Voice joins the football fraternity in mourning the loss of Bob Munro. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, Mathare United, MYSA, and the entire Kenyan football community. May his soul rest in peace.
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