The only Kenyan organisation and one of only four from Africa invited to the week-long programme that will bring together about 400 young people from 40 countries through football, leadership development and cultural exchange.
For generations, Harambee Stars have chased qualification to the FIFA World Cup without success.
While that wait continues, six young footballers from Kibera, Kangemi, Southlands, Mugumoini, and Viwandani will next week travel to Boston for Festival 26, FIFA’s global youth festival running alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The youngsters, aged between 13 and 16, were selected by CFK Africa, the only Kenyan organisation and one of only four from Africa invited to the week-long programme that will bring together about 400 young people from 40 countries through football, leadership development and cultural exchange.
For CFK Africa Programmes Manager Mediatrix Tuju, the opportunity represents years of investment in young people from underserved communities.
“Our mission is to empower youth in slums,” Tuju told Mozzart Sport.
“We co-create solutions with the community so that they identify solutions to the barriers affecting them. That way, they own the initiatives and are able to sustain them even without us.”
Formerly known as Carolina for Kibera, CFK Africa has spent the last 25 years expanding beyond Kibera into 25 informal settlements across eight counties, reaching nearly 200,000 people annually through education, health and sports programmes.
Football remains one of its biggest entry points.
However, Tuju insists that winning matches has never been the priority.
“Ours is not sports for sports,” she explained. “It is value-based sports.”
When the organisation received confirmation that it would send a delegation to Boston, interest far exceeded expectations.
More than 500 youngsters applied. Only six could be selected.
“We actually got 500 applications, and we only needed six,” Tuju recalled.
“We were looking for leadership, confidence and passion for their communities so that whatever they learn in Boston, they are able to come back and share it.”
According to Tuju, Festival 26 is designed to create opportunities beyond football.
“What we are creating is an opportunity beyond the football pitch,” she added. “Talent is universal. Opportunity is not.”
Read the full article on Mozzart Sports.
