The tournament was organized by Jenniffer Wairimu, Lamu Woman Representative Aspirant 2027, President of Kenya Youth Organization and Founder of Waridi Foundation.
The competition featured women’s football, volleyball, netball, handball, girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball, creating a rare platform where women and young people could compete, showcase their abilities and connect across communities.
THE CHAMPIONS
In women’s football, Lake Amu emerged champions, followed by Sinambio, Uzida and Shekale.
In women’s volleyball, Tigres took first position, followed by Umoja and Kihongwe.
Mpeketoni Ladies won the netball competition, with Mpeketoni Pride and Minivalley Ladies taking second and third positions respectively.
In handball, Vikings emerged first, followed by Umoja.
Mpekx Angels won the girls’ basketball competition, while Sniper Tiger finished second.
In boys’ basketball, Mpex Heats took first position, followed by Seahawks.
FROM SPORT TO LIVELIHOOD
The biggest message from the tournament, however, was not about the trophies.
Jenniffer Wairimu used the event to announce her vision of transforming grassroots sport from occasional entertainment into a structured opportunity and economic pathway for young people.
She says that if elected Lamu Woman Representative in 2027, she will champion a dedicated sports fund, including provision of sports buses and minibuses to help teams travel for competitions, national trials and scouting.
She also plans to support regular tournaments, strengthen promising clubs financially and establish continuous scouting to identify Lamu’s best players and connect them with opportunities beyond the county.
“Today I can give KSh 5,000 because I am not in power. When elected, we shall give more and do more. We shall have a sports fund, transport for our teams, regular tournaments, stronger clubs and scouting of our best players. I want talent in Lamu to become a livelihood. Talanta ni hela.”
Wairimu says lack of transport, resources and exposure should never prevent a talented young person from reaching a national trial or professional opportunity.
A RECORD OF CREATING PLATFORMS
The tournament is the first women’s tournament organized by Wairimu, but it builds on her consistent investment in grassroots sports.
Through the Waridi Foundation, she has organized the annual Lamu 7s and planned talent shows and other initiatives designed to give young people across Lamu and the Coast region platforms to showcase their abilities.
The tournament also brought together teams from different areas, using sport as a tool for peace, unity and social cohesion.
Participants and spectators were further encouraged to register as voters and participate in shaping the future of their communities.
A STORY BIGGER THAN SPORT
For Wairimu, the future of Lamu’s youth cannot be built through promises alone.
It requires platforms, investment, exposure and opportunity.
The tournament demonstrated that the talent and public interest already exist, with thousands turning up to watch grassroots athletes compete.
The challenge now is whether that talent can be transformed into sustainable opportunities.
From the village pitch to national trials.
From grassroots clubs to professional opportunities.
From talent to livelihood.
That is the vision behind Wairimu’s message:
“TALANTA NI HELA.”
Do you want to be published? E-mail info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
Comments
No approved comments yet.