At first glance, Chris Juma appears to be just another teenager lost in the bustling streets of Nairobi.
At 16, he possesses the lanky frame of youth, a frail appearance that belies the strength and determination simmering beneath the surface.
His unassuming demeanour could easily lead one to dismiss him as harmless. However, beneath this exterior lies a story of resilience, ambition, and an unyielding passion for boxing that has begun to captivate the nation.
Chris is a Form Two student at Mwiki Secondary School in Nairobi, yet his aspirations stretch far beyond the confines of his classroom.
He recently garnered national attention after delivering a stunning performance at the 2025 Kenya Open Championship held at Uhuru Park, where he faced off against Shaffi Bakari, a veteran of the Hit Squad.
In a quarterfinal bout that many deemed a mismatch, Chris emerged victorious, shocking spectators and pundits alike.
Bakari, a seasoned warrior with a gaze that could pierce steel, moved with the practised grace of a seasoned professional.
But Chris, fueled by an unwavering belief in himself, met each blow with a counter, a dance of calculated precision.
The mismatch became a ballet of skill and grit. Each punch landed with the force of a thousand dreams, each dodge a testament to Chris's unwavering focus. The final bell echoed the shattering of expectations.
This triumph elevated his status within the boxing community and ignited a flame of hope and inspiration among young athletes.
“I’m eager to don the national colours someday and represent my country on the international stage,” Chris declared, his eyes reflecting a fierce determination. Boxing, as he articulates, is not merely a sport.
"It is a discipline that demands sacrifice, dedication, and an insatiable desire for improvement. I work hard in training, always desiring to be better each day,” he said.
Chris’s journey into the world of boxing began just last year, a mere flicker of ambition that has since transformed into a blazing passion.
Under the guidance of Coach Ian "Major" Otieno at the Kasarani Boxing Club, Chris found not only a mentor but also a champion of his potential.
Coach Otieno, a seasoned figure in the local boxing scene, recognised the spark in Chris and his brother Ben.
“His brother is currently the captain of the Kasarani Boxing Club,” Otieno proudly notes, emphasising the familial bond that fuels their shared ambition.
“He’s a boy of resilience, courage, calm, and very focused,” remarked Otieno.
However, Chris’s ascent has not been without its challenges. The scepticism of some Nairobi coaches regarding his youth and relative inexperience could have easily discouraged a less determined individual.
"Coach Otieno’s unwavering belief in my abilities proved to be a guiding light, encouraging me to push through doubts and fears," Chris said.
He embodies the spirit of a young athlete striving to carve out his place in a competitive landscape.
Each punch thrown, each round sparred, and each drop of sweat shed is a step closer to his dream. His aspirations extend beyond individual accolades.
“I want to show other young people that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible,” he asserts.
