The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on 30 December 2025 launched the Sports for Peace football tournament at Kiunga Primary and Kiunga Secondary School grounds in Kiunga Ward, Lamu County. The initiative has brought together youth from across the county as part of ongoing civil–military cooperation and youth empowerment efforts, providing a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and community engagement.
The opening day featured high-quality and competitive football, with teams delivering spirited performances across multiple fixtures. In the first round of knockout matches, KDF Usalama Camp set the pace with a commanding 3–1 victory over Mkokoni FC, asserting dominance through disciplined defending and sharp finishing. Kiwayu FC also made a strong start, edging Ishakani FC 2–1 in a tightly contested, high-tempo encounter.
The second round sustained the competitive momentum, with Kiunga securing a hard-fought 2–1 win against GSU in a match characterized by physical duels and tactical discipline. In the final fixture of the day, Kiunga B produced the most emphatic performance, overwhelming KWS 4–1 with fluid attacking play and clinical finishing.
Organized by the Kenya Defence Forces in collaboration with various stakeholders, the tournament leverages the power of sport to inspire unity, teamwork, and positive change among the youth of Lamu County. A total of eight teams are participating, involving over 300 youths drawn from different parts of the county. The initiative aims to foster peace, strengthen social cohesion, and deter radicalization through positive and meaningful engagement.
Beyond the sporting activities, the tournament incorporates structured sensitization sessions focusing on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). These sessions seek to raise awareness on the dangers of radicalization while promoting lawful and constructive alternatives for personal and community development.
The Sports for Peace tournament is expected to culminate in final matches and community outreach activities that reinforce trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility for lasting peace and security in the region.
The initiative underscores KDF’s commitment to complementing security operations with community-centered approaches that address the root causes of insecurity while empowering youth as key stakeholders in peacebuilding and development in Lamu County.
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