Eastleigh's love for football finds a new home on artificial pitches

The demand for recreational facilities in Kamukunji Constituency’s Eastleigh area has led to a unique partnership between community leaders and local schools, culminating in the establishment of six-a-side artificial football pitches, commonly referred to as turf in Kenyan parlance.

Until January, football enthusiasts in Eastleigh relied on limited facilities at Ainsworth Primary School, Dr. Aggrey Primary School, Muslim Primary School, or New Eastleigh Primary School for their recreational games. Now, they have more options, thanks to the completion of three six-a-side pitches at Eastleigh High School.

“Eastleigh residents love football, and their lives revolve around it. There is a great demand for facilities that allow them to express their passion,” says Feisal Mohamed, a 30-year-old community leader. Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice at the new facility, Feisal explained how the initiative addresses a long-standing need for recreational spaces.

Feisal, a member of New Isli Management - a community-based organisation behind events like the popular Ramadhan Cup - shared memories of his family’s move to Eastleigh in the mid-2000s. “While Eastleigh has grown into a bustling commercial hub, the high-rise apartments and shopping malls have left little room for recreational facilities,” he notes.

To tackle this, the organisation partnered with Eastleigh High School to transform an underutilised swampy area into a modern football facility. “Schools have space, and since these initiatives also benefit learners, they’re willing to collaborate with us,” Feisal explains.

Though the project’s total cost remains undisclosed, the partnership guarantees Eastleigh High School KSh 900,000 annually from community bookings. Principal Samuel Kimathi expressed satisfaction, noting the facility’s dual benefit of improving infrastructure and generating revenue.

“The area was previously waterlogged and unusable. We invested significant effort in preparing the ground for the installation. Our next step is constructing a drainage system to prevent future flooding,” Feisal adds.

The facility operates from 5 p.m. to late on weekdays and throughout the weekend, ensuring no disruption to students’ learning. Equipped with floodlights and a standby generator, the pitches cater to community members who prefer playing at night or early mornings. Students, meanwhile, have free access during school hours.

Community members pay an average of Sh 3,000 per hour to use the pitches, with peak hours between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. “Despite pitches at other schools, demand still exceeds supply,” Feisal observes.

Since opening two weeks ago, the facility has created jobs for six youth tasked with managing the grounds, cleaning, and maintaining amenities like toilets and changing rooms. “These youth also ensure the facility is secure and that goal nets are in good condition,” Feisal adds.

Beyond recreation, Feisal hopes the facility will help combat crime and drug abuse in Eastleigh. “When youth spend their time here playing or watching matches, it keeps them from negative activities,” he says.

Dubbed “The Home of Champions,” the facility’s name reflects Eastleigh’s sporting legacy. Eastleigh High School’s main field serves as the training ground for 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka. Additionally, the school has hosted Kanbis Sports Club, a top cricket team, since 1976. Kanbis famously dominated the Kenyan cricket league, winning it 15 consecutive years from 2005 to 2020.

As the facility draws football enthusiasts, Feisal and his team remain optimistic that it will inspire more community-driven projects to support sports development in the area.