Few things in life hold the power to inspire change the way sports do.
They bridge divides, break down barriers, and turn vulnerability into strength. Nelson Mandela said it best: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
This truth came alive last week in Mandera, where I presided over the finals of Phase Two of the PS Ismail Tournament 2025.
For four weeks, football breathed hope into a County often defined by insecurity, drought and marginalisation.
Over 100 teams from Lafey, Rhamu and Mandera East brought dusty pitches to life with energy and possibility.
More than 30,000 fans thronged the grounds, sending a clear message: our youth are hungry for opportunity, our communities crave unity and Mandera is rich with talent. The arid landscape may be dry, but when it comes to skill and resilience, the region is anything but barren.
Equally impressive was the leadership that underpinned the tournament. Local leaders mobilised tirelessly, ensuring safety, encouraging participation and consistently championing peace.
In a region scarred by terror trauma, those voices reminded us that every goal scored was also a goal for cohesion.
And this local story resonates with the national and the global stage.
Kenya’s athletes dazzled at the just-concluded World Championships in Tokyo 2025, where the country ranked second globally and first in Africa.
Faith Kipyegon remained unmatched on the track, Peres Jepchirchir proved her marathon grit, Beatrice Chebet electrified distance running, Emmanuel Wanyonyi stormed to gold in the 800m, Lilian Odira set a new championship record in the women’s 800m, and Faith “Last Born” Cherotich showed the future is already here.
From Mandera’s dusty fields to Tokyo’s grand arenas, the message is the same: talent, when nurtured, knows no boundaries.
Closer to home, the successful hosting of CHAN 2024 reaffirmed the unifying power of football. Stars like Austin Odhiambo, Bryan Omondi and Rayan Ogam reminded us that local talent can shine on continental stages.
In Mandera, young players such as Abdikheir Mohamed, Hassan Derrow, and Gundi Ali gave fans the same pride and hope.
As Principal Secretary for Special Programmes, I see these developments through the lens of resilience. Resilience is not only about responding to crises, but also about strengthening the social fabric that allows communities to withstand shocks and thrive.
Sports are central to that mission. Every match and every cheer is more than just play. It is community-building in action. Through sports, youthful energy is channeled into constructive pursuits, radicalization is kept at bay and discipline and teamwork are nurtured.
A football pitch may seem far removed from disaster management, but in truth, it is a vital investment in resilience. The Kenya Academy of Sports played a key role in Mandera, providing logistical support and scouting for talent.
Their presence proved that no corner of Kenya is too remote to contribute to our sporting map. I am confident that some of these young stars will rise to follow in the footsteps of our Tokyo heroes and CHAN champions.
This vision aligns with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes grassroots empowerment as the foundation of national progress.
In Mandera, we saw the BETA spirit in action, that of young people feeling empowered, communities engaged, and hope renewed.
We must now work to sustain this momentum across Kenya, embedding peacebuilding and talent development into every county’s calendar. With elections just a few years away, strengthening cohesion is essential.
Sports remind us that victory is always collective; discipline and teamwork bring progress; and resilience, once built, can withstand even the hardest knocks.
From Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium to Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia, and from Mandera’s dusty pitches to community grounds across the country, Kenya’s story is clear: sports are not just games.
They are engines of talent, unity, peace and resilience. If we harness this power fully, we will not only raise champions on the field but also build a stronger, more united and more resilient nation off it.
The writer is the Principal Secretary for the state department for Special Programmes. He previously served as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.
