Young men in Kajiado got a chance to showcase their talent in volleyball and football matches during a Kajiado Youth tournament sponsored by Manabay Foundation and Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki.
Addressing the media during the tournament, Manabay Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Justus emphasized the need to empower young men to be at par with the girls and women who have been the only ones being empowered.
The CEO noted that men have for a long time been sidelined in matters empowerment and this has led to them engaging in crime and drug abuse as they do not have a shoulder to lean on.
“Many men are suffering from depression and this has led them to drug and substance abuse. Many also resort to crime due to lack of employment. However, if they are empowered, crime rates will go down as they will be making their own money and will also not engage in substance abuse,” said Mary.
The CEO remarked that the foundation also scouts for talents and the best players are linked with the Kenya Premier League teams.
She urged the Kajiado county government to consider youths in employment and to establish more technical training institutes that will offer technical courses to the youths who don’t make it to university and colleges.
The teams were drawn from all the five constituencies in Kajiado.
Eko Dydda, one of the musicians who performed during the tournament reiterated that boys have been sidelined and added that for the society to be well balanced, boys too should be empowered as they will be expected to live with the empowered girl child and conflicts may arise in future due to imbalances.
He urged the youths to embrace their talents and avoid crime, drugs and substance abuse for a better future.
“Talent is key. The government should focus on youth talents and support them as it creates job opportunities,” said Eko Dydda.
DJ Queen (Judith Pololet), who also performed during the tournament also encouraged the youths to focus on their talents instead of depending on the government to give them jobs.
“Male empowerment is also very important. Such activities like football will keep men away from crime, substance abuse and spending their day playing pool. Youths should also focus on their talents as it can help one to fend for themselves. Sometimes you can even earn more from talent than in formal employment,” said the DJ.
Kamaliza FC emerged as the winners in the football match against Ilpurko FC and were awarded a cash prize of Sh250,000. Team Gen Z were crowned the volleyball champions and received Sh80,000. The teams were also each given a trophy and uniforms.
Kamaliza FC goalkeeper Josphat Nyaga won the Golden Glove while Titus Mbatha, the Kamaliza FC coach was crowned Best Coach of the tournament.
By Diana Meneto
