Football For Peace.
The game of football is an universal bond that units people from different nations,religions ,ethnics ,political affiliations .
The power of the game is therefore an integral tool that can be used to promote peace and cohesion among Kenyan communities of all genders.
In what is described as a male dominated game the myth has over the years been demystified with the emergence of women football that has gained traction worldwide.
Over the years Women football in Kenya has reached great heights and history has been made by our women football teams who have qualified for the FIFA women World Cup.
It's against this backdrop that our women in the grassroots have seen the power of football can be used to bring peace ,cohesion between the communities they live within.
Women are known as peace makers in their homes hence the need to bring peace to other members of the community through football.
It's under this umbrella that gave birth to the "Nairobi Women Peace Tournament"that brings together women within the bracket of 18 / 70 years of age whom are mothers and grandmother's from the Nairobi West Sub Region comprising of Dagoretti South, North,Westlands, Langata, Kibra .
The tournament idea was mooted by Community Relations Foundation" supported by Mustard Seed Foundation, Kenya Grannies Football Federation that has attracted many Women football teams from the respective wards in Nairobi County.
The Nairobi West Sub Region constituencies selected winners will the procede to the grand finale to be played on 8th August at the Riruta Stadium in Dagoretti South.
Today's action saw kick off with teams from Dagoretti South battle for selection of their constituency final squad at the Riruta Stadium and teams from Langata held their tournament at Uhuru Gardens primary school with 10 teams ranging from 35/49yrs of age
It was action as the grannies showcased their skills watched by a big crowd amazed with the action .
The Women Peace Cup comes at a time when we are gearing towards the 2027 national elections and the message is maintaining peace.
Women from the informal settlements have borne the brunt of post election violence hence the need to spread the message.
According to Martin Maqio the CEO of CRF "We begun with teams from Dagoretti North at the Gatina Primary School grounds where a team has already been selected
"I thank all our partners who are supporting this noble initiative and hope the same can be spread countrywide...he said