The long school holidays are here, and the festive season has kicked into high gear. Across Kenya, young people are reveling in the freedom of unstructured time, with streets buzzing with their energy and excitement. For working parents and guardians, however, this time of year often brings a unique set of challenges.
Idle time for teenagers and young adults can be a double-edged sword. Without meaningful activities, many are vulnerable to falling into harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, crime, and other illicit activities. Recognizing this, Abdulaziz Mohamed—popularly known as Abdul Wa Mtaa—has stepped up with a solution aimed at transforming how the youth in Nairobi spend their holidays.
Abdul Wa Mtaa, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Nairobi’s Westlands constituency, has launched a football tournament to engage young people in constructive activities. The tournament, hosted in Parklands, brings together youth from across Nairobi to not only play football but also share ideas, develop their talents, and foster a sense of community.
“I believe in the potential of the youth,” said Abdul. “They want to be part of important conversations about their future, but too often they are sidelined. This tournament is more than just football—it’s about giving them a platform to connect, learn, and grow.”
Abdul emphasizes that the festive season provides a critical window of opportunity to unite young people, regardless of their backgrounds. “With schools closed and free time on their hands, this is the perfect time to engage them in meaningful activities. We aim to not only nurture their talents but also give them a voice and a sense of purpose,” he added.
The tournament has already drawn participants from areas as far as Kariobangi and Kamukunji, with many lauding Abdul’s initiative as a much-needed alternative to the vices that often plague idle youth.
Javan Otieno from Kariobangi North shared his excitement about the event. “This tournament allows us to interact peacefully and showcase our talents without engaging in crime. It’s a great way to grow as individuals,” he said.
Kevin Wekesa from Kamukunji echoed similar sentiments. “It’s refreshing to have something positive keeping us occupied during the festive period. This initiative shows that we matter and have potential.”
Abdul Wa Mtaa’s vision goes beyond just one holiday season. He envisions a future where youth empowerment is prioritized year-round. “The future of our youth is bright if they have strong, responsible leadership to guide them,” he said.
Through sports and other meaningful activities, Abdul aims to help young people navigate life’s challenges, discover their potential, and grow into responsible citizens. “This is not just about keeping them busy during the holidays—it’s about inspiring them to dream big and equipping them to achieve those dreams,” he concluded.
As the tournament gains traction, Abdul hopes to expand the initiative to other parts of Nairobi, giving more youth the chance to benefit. His message is clear: when we invest in our youth, we invest in a brighter tomorrow for everyone.
