One woman’s quest to transform women's football in Turkana

Rael Nkoi Lomoti, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Woman Representative for Turkana County, has demonstrated remarkable perseverance in advocating for the development of women's football in her region despite facing a myriad of challenges, including drought, hunger, cultural disparities, and insecurity.

With a diverse background encompassing roles as a coach, administrator, and player, Nkoi's dedication to community service is very commendable.

Raised in Turkana County, Nkoi left her homeland 28 years ago to pursue her education in Nairobi after receiving a scholarship from the Dominican Missionaries Sisters during her early school years.

She would end up representing Gaspo Women FC in the Kenya Women's Premier League, the nation's women's top league as a no-nonsense defender, but later returned to her hometown armed with a mission and vision to utilise football as a catalyst for social change, despite the sport's limited popularity among women in the area.

Nkoi's efforts to bring Kakuma-Kalobeyei Starlets, a women's football team from Kakuma Refugee Camp to Nairobi for a friendly match against Gaspo Women FC were tragically halted by a bandit attack on September 25, 2022, which claimed 11 lives in Turkana County. But she soldiered on.

"Football has been the driving force behind my accomplishments. It enabled me to leave Turkana and secure a scholarship for my studies. The game has opened countless doors for me, and now, I aim to support other Turkana girls who dare to dream," Nkoi said during our interview.

Challenges

After numerous attempts to schedule an interview with her due to her busy schedule, I eventually bagged her one day, although it had to be late evening after a training session. Her commitment to grassroots football is evident as she wraps up a training session at 7 pm highlighting the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions and inadequate facilities.

Rael Nkoi from Turkana displaying her football skills. (Photo: Gaspo Women FC)

"We train late in the evening to avoid the scorching heat, but the lack of proper equipment poses limitations. Many players lack appropriate footwear, hindering their performance," Nkoi explained.

Despite pursuing diplomas in social work and community development at Mt. Kenya University and sports management at Zetech University, Nkoi remains determined to contribute to the development of women's football.

Her tenure at Gaspo Women FC not only provided her with networking opportunities but also inspired her to pursue leadership roles within the football community, culminating in her victory in the 2019 FKF branch elections.

One of the most significant encounters was with FKF Deputy President Doris Petra, who played a crucial role in Nkoi's decision to pursue leadership in football at the branch level. She aimed to encourage more girls and women from her community to join the sport.

"Playing for Gaspo was beneficial because I got to meet people and gain exposure. It was where I met FKF Deputy President Doris Petra. I believe if I had continued playing football, I could have even played internationally," Nkoi shared.

Leadership role

"When I met her (Doris), I sought her help because I wanted to go back home and introduce more women to the game. She encouraged me to inspire them and take on a leadership role in the branch. That's how I ended up running for the Woman Representative position during the 2019 FKF branch elections, and I won unopposed," she said.

Rael Nkoi with players from the Desert Roses Girls Football Club. (Photo: Vice Versa Global)

Nkoi acknowledges the cultural, economic, and environmental barriers hindering sports development in Turkana, particularly for girls, emphasising the importance of education and empowerment.

"While early marriage and substance abuse remain prevalent, football serves as a platform to empower youth and challenge societal norms," Nkoi said.

"We belong to the marginalised communities in Turkana, Pokot and Samburu. Girls in this region face numerous challenges hindering their participation in sports. The foremost obstacle is culture, which not only restricts their access to basic education but also discourages them from playing football. ”

Football has helped mitigate some of these issues and the community is now embracing the sport and her work in the community.

Despite the challenges, Nkoi remains optimistic about the future of women's football in Turkana, urging stakeholders to support the cause by providing essential equipment and resources.

"I envision a future where more girls participate in football, leveraging its benefits for academic and professional opportunities. We need the support, especially in providing equipment, which is crucial in realising this vision," Nkoi says.