Young people today face many challenges, and communities are looking for ways to help them make better choices.
During a recent discussion on Mwelekeo TV, this topic came to life as Mathew Malusi from the S M Foundation spoke with host Fridah Mongare about how sports are changing lives in Nairobi.
He explained that constructive activities give young people something meaningful to focus on, especially in areas where unemployment and peer pressure push many toward risky behavior.
Malusi said that when youth are idle, trouble becomes easy to find, which is why the foundation uses sports as a tool for guidance and growth.
Malusi described idleness as the devil’s workshop because young people without structure often fall into habits like drug use or crime.
To keep them active, the foundation paid affiliation fees for all football teams in Kamukunji. The total cost was around 650000 Kenyan shillings, but the impact has been much greater. By clearing these fees, teams can join official leagues without worrying about money.
Young people now spend their weekends on the field instead of in places where harmful influences are common. Malusi said that in areas like Eastlands drugs are easy to find, and many teens who have no jobs drift into dangerous routines.
Sports give them a safer path and help reduce issues like early pregnancies or dropping out of school.He also shared a touching moment from the foundation’s outreach. While running sports programs they identified four vulnerable students who could not afford school fees.
The foundation stepped in and offered bursaries that helped the students return to school and sit their exams. Malusi said this is the wider purpose behind their work. It is not only about kicking a ball. It is about giving direction.
His personal story supports this idea. He once played for teams like Castle Dads FC and Mahakama FC, but a knee injury ended his dream of going professional. Even so, football taught him focus and leadership.
He said sports bring people together and create unity in places like Kamukunji where many cultures and backgrounds mix.
Beyond sports, the S M Foundation works to fix community challenges that affect young people. In the Diggo area families had no access to water for six years. The foundation installed a large ten thousand liter tank with pipes to ease that burden.
During the lockdown in 2020 they delivered food like cabbages and fruits to support struggling households. Malusi said that by solving basic problems communities remove the pressure that can push youth toward harmful behavior.
The foundation is also planning a huge tournament with prizes that can change lives. Men’s teams can win a thirty three seater matatu while runners up receive other vehicles or motorbikes. Women and girls are included too with prizes like Uber cars.
Malusi believes this will encourage more participation and prove that sports are for everyone. He urged groups like the Football Kenya Federation to invest more in grassroots talent beginning with very young players so that skills are not lost.
This conversation on Mwelekeo TV links well with the wider mission of Mwelekeo Insights which shares stories about leadership and innovation.
Malusi said that young people must believe in themselves and speak up when they face challenges because a problem shared is a problem solved.
To him sports are an escape plan from the tough life many face in slums.His message is clear. Organized activities do more than build fitness.
They boost confidence teach responsibility and open doors to opportunities. In a country where many young people feel discouraged by limited jobs or weak policies the work of the S M Foundation offers real hope. When communities support youth engagement everyone benefits and the future becomes brighter.
