Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga is banking on sports in her fight against gender-based violence
She has established a football tournament, themed "Zero Tolerance to GBV", which coincides with the circumcision season and school holidays as they seek to reach as many teenagers as possible.
The month-long tournament will traverse all 45 wards in Bungoma County, offering a platform for youth empowerment and engagement.
“The tournament is not just about football... it’s about using sports to engage our youth and steer them away from harmful behaviours,” Wambilianga said at Chebukwa Secondary School in Kabuchai Constituency.
Bungoma has been in the limelight due to a rise in teenage pregnancies, which spikes during the circumcision season.
Schoolgirls are coerced into early sexual activity amidst the circumcision festivities, while young boys may fall into vices such as drug abuse.
Wambilianga seeks to offer an alternative. Over 400 men and women's teams have enlisted, covering a broad spectrum of talent and enthusiasm across the county.
"If you look closely, many players in the Kenyan Premier League and other national competitions — basketball, volleyball and rugby — hail from Bungoma,” the MP said.
“This highlights the exceptional talent we have in our county, and we must nurture and support it."
In addition to promoting sports, Wambilianga emphasised the initiative’s role in fostering discipline and togetherness among the participants.
“We are committed to ensuring that sports serve not only as a form of entertainment but also a means to develop professional players who can represent our country on a bigger stage,” she stated.
She plans to connect players with potential sponsors and enhance their visibility in national competitions.
Local leaders, including Matulo Ward MCA Steve Kaiser, noted the tournament's potential to keep youth engaged and off unbecoming behaviours.
