Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba tournament has crowned county champions across Kenya’s Eastern Region after county finals held over the weekend, with winners set to progress to the regional finals in Embu on October 2 and 3, 2026.
In a press release dated September 21, 2026, Safaricom said the county finals were held in Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and Marsabit, featuring both boys’ and girls’ teams.
According to the statement, county champions in each category received KES 75,000, while runners-up received KES 30,000, alongside individual awards. The tournament organisers said the winners will compete in the Eastern Region finals for regional honours and progression in the wider Chapa Dimba competition.
In Embu County, The Royal Queens Academy won the girls’ title after beating Ishiara Bright Starlets 7-0 at Embu Moi Stadium. In the boys’ final, Black Cats Football Academy won 8-1 against Ishiara Bright Academy, Safaricom said.
Machakos County’s girls’ final saw MCF Starlets defeat Kibauni Ladies 1-0. Safaricom said MCF Starlets reached the final after a 1-0 semi-final win over Kisooni Queens, while Kibauni Ladies advanced after drawing 0-0 with Kyumbi All-Stars Queens and winning 5-4 on penalties. In the boys’ competition, Golden Football Academy won the county title after a goalless final against Masii Boys, prevailing 4-1 on penalties.
In Kitui County, Syomunyu Queens won the girls’ title after a 3-0 victory over ISAA Queens FC. In the boys’ final, SMPI Academy beat Mwingi Junior Academy 3-0 to secure the county championship, according to the statement.
Safaricom also listed other county winners: Bridge Starlets (girls) and MAFA FC (boys) in Isiolo; Akuune Queens (girls) and Makinduri Rockstars (boys) in Meru; AIC Sultan (girls) in Makueni; Dakabaricha Girls (girls) and Abdary FC (boys) in Marsabit; and Mugona Girls (girls) and Kajiunduthi High (boys) in Tharaka Nithi.
Oliver Kiptoo, FKF National Coordinator, said the tournament provided a competitive stage for youth players across the region. “Congratulations to all the county champions and every team that participated in the Eastern Region County finals. The level of competition and talent witnessed across the counties has been encouraging, and we are pleased to provide young footballers with a platform to showcase their abilities and compete at a higher level. We look forward to the Eastern Region finals as the county champions come together to battle for regional honours,” Kiptoo said.
The county and regional finals are part of Safaricom’s broader sports sponsorship footprint, which has increasingly been used by corporates to support community engagement, talent identification and grassroots football structures. For Safaricom, the tournament aligns with sustained brand investment in sports properties that attract nationwide participation and local audiences, with spillovers for county-level event activity including venue use and local services.
Organisers said the next milestone will be the Eastern Region finals in Embu, which will bring together top boys’ and girls’ teams from the eight counties, with winners progressing further in the national competition.