FALSE: Photo does not show the drought situation in Embolioi, Kajiado County, in October 2022
Admin Ruben FM Kids Tournament
22 November 2025 | Ruben Grounds, Mukuru.
The Ruben FM Kids Tournament held on 22nd November 2025 at the Ruben Grounds marked a historic milestone for the Mukuru community. As part of Ruben FM’s 9th
anniversary celebrations, the event stood out as the first-ever children’s football tournament of its kind in the area. It brought together young footballers, parents, coaches,
community stakeholders, and supporters of community radio for a day filled with excitement, learning, teamwork, and a strong message of peaceful coexistence.
What began as a simple idea to celebrate youth talent and give children a platform to shine—grew into a well-coordinated tournament that demonstrated the power of sports in
uniting communities and strengthening social bonds. The event was vibrant, electrifying, and deeply meaningful, reinforcing Ruben FM’s commitment to nurturing young talent
while advocating for a safer, healthier, and more cohesive community.
The boys’ matches were packed with energy, passion, and impressive skill. Young players demonstrated discipline and teamwork far beyond their age. The tournament’s climax
came in the final match between MUSA and Sun City, two teams known for their strong youth development programs.
The final was tense and highly competitive. Neither side managed to secure a goal during regular time, ending the match at 0–0. The crowd watched with anticipation as the game
proceeded to penalties. Sun City emerged victorious after scoring two penalties, while MUSA was unable to convert their chances. The victory earned Sun City the title of Boys’
Champions, while MUSA proudly took the Runners-Up position.
Key Boys’ Fixtures:
Semifinal 1: Arizen 0–1 Sun City
Semifinal 2: Ice Pop 0–1 MUSA
These fixtures highlighted the strength and balance of the competition, with all teams showing remarkable effort and sportsmanship.
Girls’ Category
The girls’ category featured three teams competing in a round-robin format—Mukuru Sports, MUSA, and Arizen. The matches delivered outstanding displays of skill, teamwork,
and confidence. Girls from all teams showcased determination and proved that female footballers are a rising force in Mukuru’s sports landscape.
Mukuru Sports dominated the category, finishing at the top with six points and an impressive 10 goals scored. Their confidence and teamwork secured them the position of Girls’
Champions. MUSA followed with three points to take the Runners-Up position, while Arizen, despite their losses, demonstrated admirable effort and resilience.
Final Girls’ Standings:
Mukuru Sports – 6 points, 10 goals (Winners)
MUSA – 3 points (Runners-Up)
Arizen – 0 points (Second Runners-Up)
The girls’ matches stood out not only for the goals scored but for the courage and enthusiasm displayed by the players. Their participation carried an added layer of significance,
representing the empowerment of young girls and advocating for their inclusion in sports and community activities.
Awards and Recognition.
The award ceremony was presided over by Tabitha Njambi, who honoured players for their exceptional performance and participation. The prizes were thoughtfully curated to
promote both education and growth, emphasizing the role of sports in personal development.
Awards Presented:
Winners (Boys & Girls): Red ribboned gold medals, book sets, and pencils
Runners-Up: Blue ribboned silver medals, book sets, and pencils
Second Runners-Up / Fourth Place (Boys): Book sets, pencils, and a football
To further support girls in sports, the first and second girls’ teams received a box of sanitary pads each, a thoughtful gesture aimed at helping them stay active and confident.
Arizen Girls received two footballs as a special recognition award for their resilience and outstanding sportsmanship.
Additionally, every team received one football, ensuring continued practice and nurturing of talent even after the tournament.
These rewards reflected Ruben FM’s belief in holistic development—combining education, physical activity, and personal empowerment.
Beyond entertainment and competition, the tournament carried an important social message. The event placed a strong focus on child protection, prevention of Sexual and GenderBased Violence (SGBV), and the promotion of peaceful coexistence under the theme #AmaniMtaani.
Parents, coaches, community leaders, and children were reminded of the importance of safeguarding young people from violence, exploitation, and harmful behaviour. The
tournament served as a friendly and accessible platform to raise awareness about children’s rights, SGBV prevention, and the crucial role of communities in creating safe
environments.
Through banners, announcements, and short educational sessions, attendees were encouraged to embrace empathy, peace, and mutual respect. The message settled deeply among
the community, reaffirming the idea that sports can be a powerful vehicle for positive social change.
Speaking at the event, Ruben FM Team Leader Martin Bunyali delivered an inspiring and heartfelt message to parents, guardians, and community members. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and providing children with the support they need to develop their skills, dreams, and ambitions.
He reminded the community that every child carries potential that can be unlocked through encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities such as the Ruben FM Kids
Tournament. He urged parents to remain present and involved in their children’s growth, noting that parental support is essential for the holistic development of young people.
Mr. Bunyali also reflected on the powerful role of community radio in uniting people, strengthening dialogue, and addressing issues that affect daily life in Mukuru. He reiterated
Ruben FM’s mission to serve as a voice for the community, amplifying concerns, promoting solutions, and highlighting success stories.
He further committed to deepening community engagement, ensuring that issues affecting residents are addressed through effective advocacy and collaborative efforts. His words
resonated strongly with the audience, affirming Ruben FM’s position as a trusted partner in community development.
The Ruben FM Kids Tournament was more than just a sports event, it was a celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of community. It brought together children from
different backgrounds, provided them with a safe space to express their talents, and encouraged families to unite in supporting the next generation.
The success of the tournament has set a new standard for youth engagement in Mukuru. It has opened doors for more structured talent development programs, expanded advocacy
efforts, and strengthened partnerships across the community.
As Ruben FM marks nine years of service, the tournament stands as a testament to the station’s unwavering commitment to uplifting Mukuru. It symbolizes hope for a future
where children grow up in safe environments, parents engage actively in their development, and the community thrives through collaboration and shared purpose.
