In 2010, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) commissioned streetfootballworld to implement the YDF country programme in Kenya. Festus Juma from streetfootballworld network member Society Empowerment Project (SEP) is the local coordinator. In an interview with the GIZ he talks about the challenges and activities of the partner NGOs, the reasons behind the network approach, and upcoming events.

What role does football play in Kenya?
Football is by far the most popular sport in Kenya; it is one of the most meaningful leisure activities. In recent years, the perception has shifted from viewing football merely as a sport activity to regarding it as a means of community development.

Football is now widely used as a tool for improving health, supporting the young population and empowering girls and women.

What are the social challenges that the member organisations of the YDF Kenya Network face, especially in your country?
Apart from HIV/AIDS, which is a major concern all over our continent, Kenya in particular experiences high levels of discrimination against the female population. Compared to boys, girls don't have equal chances and have limited access to education.

YDF partner Moving the Goalposts Kilifi (MTG) focuses on this issue, offering, for example, workshops on body development and family planning.

Food security is another topic that is important in the Kenyan context. Especially to the rural population, sufficient food supply is a challenge. The Society Empowerment Project (SEP) includes agricultural training in its football activities.

While our Nairobi-based member organisation Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP) is highly involved in fighting tuberculosis through awareness-raising in the communities, Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) works in many fields including youth leadership, female empowerment and HIV and TB prevention.

Why is networking so important? What are the benefits in Kenya?
The network approach is a noble idea, bringing people together and creating synergies. It fosters the development of skills and expertise.

By using our very effective communication system, we can offer local consultancy. By meeting up with other organisations that are involved in Sport for Development, we can improve our understanding, share our experiences in working with young people and increase the chance of attaining our objectives.

What activities have taken place so far in 2011 with the YDF Kenya Network?
In April, MYSA organised the Mathare Youth Girls Tournament in Nairobi in which over 91 teams and 1,500 players participated.

MTG conducted a YDF training session for coaches in Kilifi and in March the YDF Network ran a toolkit coach workshop and leadership training in Nairobi. So far, 36 instructors and coaches in Kenya have been trained with the YDF Toolkit.

What has been the impact of the YDF project in Kenya?
The coach training sessions have been very successful and they are in great demand. We feel very confident with our football programmes, through which we have been able to foster skills and empowerment for youth.

Our network has improved the relationships between members; if an event takes place, the other partners are also included and contribute to the success. We think that the continuation of the YDF programme in Kenya is very important for the youth in this country.

What are the plans in the near future?
In the upcoming weeks, VAP will host a major tournament in Nairobi that aims at creating awareness for TB. And in August SEP will organise its Annual Soccer Event & Educational Camp, where young people can play football and attend training on different social topics.

*****
This interview has been adapted from the YDF website with the approval of GIZ and SEP.