For many children growing up in informal settlements, the transition from primary to secondary education is often uncertain and fragile, and sometimes impossible.

However, through the Flamcity Football Academy scholarship programme, football has become a lifeline and a bridge to education, offering a pathway to a better future.

Ann Kilonzi, is one of the few young people whose life changed in 2021 when she secured a scholarship with the academy.

Ann Kilonzi a beneficiary of the Flamcity Academy scholarship.

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"After completing my KCPE, I received a scholarship to attend Brenda Girls High School in Bungoma, where I finished my high school education without paying anything. I’m very grateful to my coaches for that opportunity,” she says.

Before the scholarship, Ann’s future was uncertain. Like many girls in similar circumstances, the prospect of continuing her education seemed unattainable due to financial constraints at home.

“I honestly wasn’t sure I would go to high school,” she admits. "My mom couldn't pay the school fees. When my elder sister finished primary school, she couldn’t continue because there was no money. So after my KCPE, I had already accepted that I might look for work and avoid causing my mom any stress.”

The scholarship opened the doors to education for her and lifted a heavy burden from her family. “I was thrilled, I knew my mom wouldn’t struggle with school fees, and I was excited to start Form One," Ann says.

Importantly, the support did not end in the classroom. Ann continued to play football throughout high school, actively participating in school tournaments — a requirement and a privilege that she embraced wholeheartedly.

Looking ahead, her dreams are firmly rooted in both academia and sport. “If I pass my exams, I want to study agricultural engineering,” she says confidently.

“At the same time, I want to continue playing football, join a good club that pays well and support my family.”

What is her ultimate dream? "I would love to play for Harambee Starlets."

Joyce Wangui is a parent whose son has also benefited from the programme.

"My son got a scholarship and joined Koelel High School. School fees are very expensive nowadays, so this scholarship has really helped me, and I’m very grateful,” she says.

Her son scored 375 marks at Menengai Primary School, but Joyce admits that without the scholarship, he would not have been able to attend high school.

“At that time, I wasn’t working. If not for the scholarship, he would still be at home,” she explains.

Today, her son is performing well academically while balancing football and his studies. “He has been getting a C, and even though training is demanding, he is coping,” she says optimistically. “I know he can do better.”

For Joyce, football has offered more than just an opportunity to showcase her son's talent; it has provided him with protection.

"If he hadn't been mentored through football, he would probably be in bad company or have dropped out of school," she notes.

"The environment around us is not very safe, but football has kept him focused."

Shem Kariuki Director Flamcity Academy.

Photo credit: Courtesy

At the heart of this transformation is Shem Kariuki, the director of Flamcity Football Academy, whose vision extends far beyond trophies and leagues.

“Our team is based in the Kwa Murogi area, which is a slum. We started the team to help curb early teenage pregnancies, crime, and drug abuse," Kariuki explains.

The academy began taking shape in 2021 as a girls' team, after Kariuki noticed alarming school dropout rates among young girls.

“Many girls were leaving school due to early pregnancies and financial difficulties,” he says.

This realisation led to partnerships with schools to support the smooth transition from primary to secondary education through scholarships.

Recognising the need for inclusivity, the academy later admitted boys. "You cannot address teenage pregnancies without involving boys," he says.

Looking to the future, Flamcity’s ambitions are bold yet realistic.

"Our girls' team is currently in Division One. In the next two years, we want to be in the Kenya Women's Premier League. We want to build a responsible, educated and empowered society. We want these children to change their families’ lives," Kariuki says.

How football is helping the youth in Kwa Murogi stay in school

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Muthoni Wanjiku