MAFA Academy and MCF Starlets received Ksh250,000 each after winning the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region football finals at Moi Stadium in Embu.

Safaricom said in a press release dated 4 Oct 2026 that both teams also qualified for the national finals.

The tournament links youth football in Kenya to cash awards and tertiary education scholarships through Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.

MAFA Academy head coach Ibrahim Abdisalan said, “Our focus now immediately shifts to the National Finals.”

The company said individual prizes included smartphones and airtime alongside the cash awards for the winning teams.

Runners-up Mikinduri Rock-Star FC and Manyatta Royal Queens Academy received Ksh150,000 each.

Cecilia Wanjiku of MCF Starlets and Hussein Edin of MAFA Academy won the Most Valuable Player awards.

Safaricom said each received Ksh30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under its Citizens of the Future Programme.

The education awards extend the tournament’s rewards beyond football by supporting further study for the two individual winners.

MAFA Academy from Isiolo beat Mikinduri Rock-Star FC eight goals to nil to secure their first regional boys’ title.

Zakar Mohamed scored a hat-trick after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute.

Hussein Edin and Abduba Daud also scored before half-time to give MAFA a three-goal advantage.

Abdizak Ali added another goal after the break before Mohamed and Wako Dabaso each scored twice to complete the victory.

Abdisalan said the academy had prepared for the tournament for two years before securing the regional title.

MCF Starlets from Machakos defeated hosts Manyatta Royal Queens Academy three goals to one in the girls’ final.

The Machakos side scored in the 17th and 62nd minutes before Justa Mwende pulled a goal back for Royal Queens.

Jacinta Nzuna scored MCF Starlets’ third goal in the 90th minute to settle the contest.

MCF Starlets head coach Abednego Matata said, “Nothing makes us happier than winning the Chapa Dimba Regional Trophy.”

Matata said his side would represent the entire Eastern Region rather than Machakos alone at the national finals.

Redemptah Mutanu of MCF Starlets and Abdullahi Muhammed of MAFA Academy received the Best Goalkeeper awards.

The Eastern winners join Nyanza qualifiers Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens in the national finals.

Central Region teams St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA have also qualified alongside Western Region’s Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive.

Safaricom said Chapa Dimba targets young people aged 14 to 17 across Kenya.

The tournament moves next to the Nairobi Region following the conclusion of the Eastern finals.

Safaricom said eight teams reached its Chapa Dimba Eastern semifinals in Embu after winning quarterfinal matches on 2 Oct 2026.

The competition links corporate support for Kenyan football with cash awards and financial literacy training for participating players and coaches.

Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni secured a boys’ semifinal place after beating Embu hosts Black Cats Football Academy 2-1.

“Our aim is to lift the trophy as we proceed to the semifinals set for tomorrow,” said Mbuthani Secondary School head coach Geoffrey Mwendwa.

Safaricom said regional champions will receive Ksh250,000 and runners-up Ksh150,000 alongside individual prizes including smartphones.

The quarterfinal matches took place at Kairuri, Nembure, Kamiu and Embu Showground according to the company’s press release.

In the girls’ competition Royal Queens Academy from Embu defeated regional defending champions Syomunyu Queens from Kitui 2-0 at Kairuri Grounds.

Royal Queens Academy head coach Muka Protus said an early goal reduced pressure on his team against the defending champions.

Dakabaricha Secondary School from Marsabit advanced after beating Bridge Starlets from Isiolo 2-1 to secure another girls’ semifinal place.

AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni beat Mugona Girls from Tharaka Nithi 5-1 to progress to the next round.

MCF Starlets from Machakos completed the girls’ semifinal line-up after a 1-0 victory over Akuune Queens from Meru.

In the boys’ competition Golden Football Academy from Machakos beat Marsabit’s Abdary FC 3-2 on penalties after a 4-4 draw.

MAFA Academy from Isiolo defeated Kajiunduthu High School from Tharaka Nithi 4-2 on penalties after the teams drew 1-1.

Kitui’s academy side secured the remaining boys’ semifinal place with a 2-1 win against Mikinduri Rock-Star FC.

Safaricom said players and coaches attended clinics at Moi Stadium after the quarterfinal matches.

The sessions covered financial literacy, data privacy, mental health and AI-powered vests among other topics.

The financial and technology sessions place the tournament within Safaricom’s wider business interests in connectivity and mobile financial services.

Safaricom said it serves more than 71.6 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia through its telecommunications operations.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company reported annual revenues of Ksh400 billion as at Mar 2026 in the release.

The semifinals will take place at Moi Stadium in Embu on 3 Oct 2026.

AIC Sultan Queens will face MCF Starlets in the opening girls’ semifinal before Royal Queens Academy play Dakabaricha Secondary School.

Golden Football Academy will meet the Kitui side in the first boys’ semifinal before MAFA Academy face Mbuthani Secondary School.

The semifinal winners will advance to the regional finals on 4 Oct 2026.

Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba tournament has crowned county champions across Kenya’s Eastern Region after weekend finals that determined qualifiers for the regional competition in Embu.

FKF National Coordinator Oliver Kiptoo said the tournament provided a competitive stage for youth players across the region.

“We look forward to the Eastern Region finals as the county champions come together to battle for regional honours,” Kiptoo said.

Safaricom said in a press release dated 21 Sep 2026 that the county finals featured both boys’ and girls’ teams.

The company said the finals took place in Isiolo and Meru.

Finals also took place in Embu and Tharaka Nithi.

Machakos and Kitui hosted county finals.

Makueni and Marsabit also hosted county finals.

According to the statement, county champions in each category received Ksh75,000 and runners-up received Ksh30,000 alongside individual awards.

The tournament matters to Kenya’s grassroots football through corporate support for talent identification and county-level competition.

In Embu County, The Royal Queens Academy won the girls’ title after beating Ishiara Bright Starlets 7-0 at Embu Moi Stadium.

Safaricom said Black Cats Football Academy won the boys’ final 8-1 against Ishiara Bright Academy.

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.

Kibauni Ladies advanced after drawing 0-0 with Kyumbi All-Stars Queens and winning 5-4 on penalties.

Golden Football Academy won the boys’ county title after a goalless final against Masii Boys and a 4-1 penalty shootout victory.

In Kitui County, Syomunyu Queens won the girls’ title after a 3-0 victory over ISAA Queens FC.

According to the statement, SMPI Academy beat Mwingi Junior Academy 3-0 in the boys’ final to secure the county championship.

Safaricom said Bridge Starlets won the girls’ title and MAFA FC won the boys’ title in Isiolo.

Akuune Queens won the girls’ title and Makinduri Rockstars won the boys’ title in Meru.

AIC Sultan won the girls’ title in Makueni.

Dakabaricha Girls won the girls’ title and Abdary FC won the boys’ title in Marsabit.

Mugona Girls won the girls’ title and Kajiunduthi High won the boys’ title in Tharaka Nithi.

Kiptoo congratulated all county champions and every team that participated in the Eastern Region county finals.

He said the level of competition and talent witnessed across the counties had been encouraging.

He said organisers were pleased to give young footballers a platform to display their abilities and compete at a higher level.

The county and regional finals form part of Safaricom’s broader sports sponsorship activity supporting community engagement and grassroots football structures.

The tournament aligns with Safaricom’s sustained brand investment in sports properties that attract nationwide participation and local audiences.

County-level event activity includes venue use and local services.

Organisers said the regional finals would bring together top boys’ and girls’ teams from the eight counties for regional honours.

They said winners would progress further in the national Chapa Dimba competition.

The Eastern Region finals will take place in Embu on 2 and 3 Oct 2026.

Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba grassroots football competition will hold Eastern Region county finals on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 across eight counties, with winners set to receive KES 75,000 each and advance to the inter-county playoffs, according to a statement issued on September 18.

The matches will be staged in Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and Marsabit. Organisers said more than 60 teams will compete for county titles and progression to the inter-county playoffs, which feed into regional finals.

The organisers said county winners in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each take home KES 75,000, while runners-up will receive KES 30,000, in addition to “other individual awards”.

Chapa Dimba is one of the private-sector backed youth sports programmes in Kenya that blends community participation with structured competition and prize funding. For Safaricom, a Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed telecommunications company, the tournament also forms part of its wider public-facing initiatives, alongside its consumer and enterprise business lines, including M-PESA, according to the company’s backgrounder included in the release.

“After a successful regional tournament in Nyanza, we are excited to take Chapa Dimba to the Eastern Region for the county finals. More than 60 teams from across the eight counties will battle it out for county honours. Everything is in place, and we look forward to witnessing great talent and exciting matches over the weekend,” Oliver Kiptoo, FKF National Coordinator, said in the statement.

Several fixtures have been scheduled across the counties. In Isiolo, MAFA Academy will play Towfiq FC in the boys’ category at Kiwanjani Grounds, before Garbatulla Queens face Bridge Starlets in the girls’ category at the same venue.

Kitui will stage matches involving 16 teams. In the girls’ category, the statement listed fixtures including Kitui FC Ladies vs Kavalyani Starlets, United Starlets vs ISAA Queens, Mwitaka Starlets vs Nguni Sirens, and Young Starlets vs defending champions Syomunyu Queens at St. Charles Lwanga School. In the boys’ bracket, RMJS will face SMPI Academy, hosts St. Charles Lwanga will play Musengo Senior School, Kiongwe Juniors will face Mwingi Juniors, and Wendea FC will take on Nyanyaa Bullets.

In Machakos, the organisers said Matuu Homeboys will meet Masii Boys Senior School, while Golden Football Academy will face Koma United in the boys’ category. In the girls’ category, Kyumbi All-Stars Queens will play Kibauni Ladies and MCF will face Kisooni Queens, with matches to be held at Machakos Showground and Public Works Field.

Other listed fixtures include City Vultures Academy vs Mikinduri Stars FC and Igane Juniors vs CCM Giantune Boys in Meru, as well as Akuune Queens vs Mwariama Queens and CCM Giantune vs Timberyard Queens in the girls’ category. In Embu, Black Cats Football Academy will play Mufuu JSS, while Ishiara Brights Academy will face Pwani FC at Numbure Grounds; the girls’ fixtures include Ishiara Bright Starlets vs AIC Ndune Queens and Royal Queens Academy vs Kavutiri Lionesses.

Marsabit matches will be played at Marsabit Stadium, with Red Tigers scheduled to face Abdary FC and Turbi FC set to play DG Stingers FC. In Makueni, the boys’ category will feature Mbuthani Secondary School, Mukuyuni School and Kalawa Pride Juniors at Sultan Hamud Stadium, while AIC Sultan Queens will face Kiambani Queens in the girls’ category. In Tharaka Nithi, matches will be played at Kajiunduthi and Kairuni stadiums, the statement said.

Organisers said the Eastern Region finals will be held in Embu on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, 2026, bringing together qualifying teams from the county phase to compete for regional honours and further progression.

Indomitable Soldiers and Awendo Football Academy reached the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza boys’ final in Kisumu after 1-0 semi-final victories, Safaricom said.

Safaricom said the semi-finals took place on 12 Sep 2026 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo in Kisumu.

Indomitable Soldiers head coach Nicholas Owende said “Beating the defending champions is not easy.”

Owende said “We stuck to our game plan and we are happy that for the first time we have made it to the final.”

Owende said “We know it won’t be an easy game, but we are determined to lift this trophy and take it back to Siaya.”

Safaricom said Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers are students of Wagai Mixed Secondary School and eliminated regional and national defending champions Obunga FC 1-0.

Nelson Warambo scored in the 28th minute, according to the press release.

Migori’s Awendo Football Academy edged Kendu Muslim 1-0 to reach the final for the second consecutive year, Safaricom said.

Safaricom said Kevin Mukaramoja scored the winner after receiving a cross from Shaban Quimba.

Plateau Queens will face Homa Bay’s Hedso Queens in the girls’ regional final, according to the press release.

Safaricom said Plateau Queens are two-time regional and national champions seeking a third regional title after beating Nyamira’s Masosa Starlets 8-0.

Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick and Beryl Awuor scored twice, according to the press release.

Melda Akinyi, Joan Agola and Elizabeth Alpine added one goal each according to Safaricom.

Hedso Queens defeated Kisii’s Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0 to secure their place in the final, Safaricom said.

Safaricom said Khadija Furaha scored twice and Michele Achieng and Saumu Chizi also scored.

For Kenya, the tournament links corporate-backed youth football with education and welfare support through cash awards and a tertiary scholarship.

Safaricom positions Chapa Dimba as part of its wider community initiatives, according to the press release.

Safaricom said winners in the boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive Ksh250,000 and qualify for the national finals.

Runners-up will each receive Ksh150,000, the company said.

The best goalkeeper and top scorer in both categories will each receive Ksh30,000, Safaricom said.

The most valuable player will receive the Golden Ball award and Ksh30,000, according to Safaricom.

The company said the award also includes a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

Safaricom said it held clinics for coaches and players at the venue covering football, mental health, data privacy and personal branding.

The clinics combine football training with life skills as part of the youth competition.

The national finals could provide further exposure to academies and scouts within Kenya’s football development system.

Safaricom said an exhibition match between its staff and Kisumu-based media will precede the regional finals.

The winning exhibition team will receive Ksh40,000, according to the company.

Eight teams have qualified for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional semifinals following inter-county playoffs held on September 11, 2026 across four venues in Kisumu County, according to a statement from Safaricom. The semifinals will be played on September 12 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County.

The qualified teams are defending champions Obunga FC, Kendu Muslim, Awendo Football Academy, Indomitable Soldiers, Plateau Queens, Masosa Starlets, Hedso Queens and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets, the statement said.

The tournament results set up a weekend of matches that will culminate in Sunday’s finals, with the organisers indicating prize money of KES 250,000 for champions and KES 150,000 for runners-up, alongside other individual prizes including smartphones.

Results from the inter-county playoffs

In the boys’ category, Pool A matches at Kasagam School Playground saw Kisumu-based Obunga FC finish top with four points. Obunga beat Nyaguku FC 2–1, then drew 2–2 with Kendu Muslim of Homa Bay. Kendu Muslim and Nyaguku FC drew 1–1, eliminating Nyaguku.

In Pool B at Railways Ground, Awendo Football Academy secured top spot. Awendo drew 0–0 with Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers in the opening match, then beat Sameta High School of Kisii 1–0. Earlier, Indomitable Soldiers and Sameta had drawn 2–2, a result that contributed to Sameta’s exit.

In the girls’ category, Pool A matches at Kisumu Boys High School saw Plateau Queens qualify after beating Nyamira Starlets-Bondo 1–0 and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 2–0. Otendo then beat Nyamira Starlets-Bondo 1–0, eliminating Nyamira.

Pool B fixtures at Kisumu Day saw Hedso Queens of Homa Bay advance after beating Masosa Starlets of Nyamira County 4–2 and Oyugi Ogango Girls 4–1. The match between Oyugi Ogango and Masosa ended 1–1, which, according to the statement, resulted in both Hedso Queens and Masosa Starlets progressing to the semifinals.

Coaches’ reactions

Isaac Odhiambo, Assistant Coach of Indomitable Soldiers, said the team expects a stronger showing after reaching the last four. “First, I am happy to have reached this far. It wasn’t easy considering how competitive the region is in terms of football… this year we are determined to get to the finals and take home the regional trophy,” Odhiambo said.

He added the team will address mistakes after drawing both matches. “My boys really displayed a good game, though we drew both our matches… tomorrow, we hope to give our best and rectify the mistakes,” Odhiambo said.

Moses Atego, Assistant Coach of Plateau Queens, said the defending champions are taking a cautious approach. “We are taking it one game at a time. Every team here is a champion from their respective counties… we are determined to defend our title,” Atego said.

Why it matters

Safaricom’s continued backing of youth football through Chapa Dimba positions the tournament as a regular pipeline for talent identification while drawing activity to host counties through matchday logistics, local venues and associated services. For Safaricom, the programme also remains part of its wider brand and community engagement strategy in Kenya’s sports ecosystem.

Next matches

The girls’ semifinals will feature Plateau Queens vs Masosa Starlets, followed by Hedso Queens vs Otendo Comprehensive Starlets. In the boys’ semifinals, Awendo Football Academy will play Kendu Muslim before Obunga FC face Indomitable Soldiers, with winners advancing to Sunday’s finals, according to the statement.

Twelve football teams from across the Nyanza region have qualified for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals set for Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, in Kisumu, after winning their respective county competitions over the weekend.

According to a Safaricom statement dated September 6, 2026, county champions took home KES 75,000 each, while runners-up received KES 30,000, alongside additional individual prizes.

The qualifiers include Obunga FC and Plateau Queens from Kisumu County, Awendo Academy from Migori County, and Sameta High School from Kisii County.

The regional finals are part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba tournament series, which has become a recurring platform for youth football talent identification and competition across Kenya’s counties. The event also draws local spectators and requires logistics and venue operations that typically benefit host towns through accommodation, transport and small-scale trade around match venues.

In Kisumu County, Obunga FC defended their county title by beating Julu Nyambugu 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time. Evans Oketch, head coach of Obunga FC, said the team expects a tougher contest at the regional stage.

“It was not an easy game. Our opponents were tough and pushed us to penalties. I thank my players and the fans for their support in helping us retain the county title,” Oketch said. “The experience I have gained through Chapa Dimba and our visit to Spain last year helped us stay focused and get the job done. There will be pressure at the regionals as defending champions, but we are ready to fight for the regional crown.”

In the girls’ category in Kisumu, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) retained their county crown for a third consecutive time after defeating Victoria Soccer Academy 4-0. Joan Ogola scored in the 13th minute, while Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, Safaricom said.

“I am really excited to retain this title for the third time. We dominated the game and made sure that we won,” said Chrispine Odindo, head coach of Plateau Queens. “For the regionals, we are going for nothing but the trophy.”

Other county results highlighted in the statement include Siaya County, where Indomitable Soldiers beat Real Talent Academy 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the boys’ title, while Nyamira Starlets beat Lwak Starlets 6-5 on penalties to win the girls’ title.

In Migori County, Awendo Academy beat Korwa Secondary School 1-0 to retain the boys’ title for a second time, while Oyugi Ogango Girls won the girls’ category after edging Mukuyu Queens 3-2.

In Nyamira County, Nyaguku FC retained the boys’ county title after beating Global Junior 4-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw. Masosa Starlets won the girls’ category after a 1-0 win over the season four champions, Safaricom said.

In Kisii County, Sameta High School beat The Mighty FC 1-0 to claim the boys’ title, while Otendo Comprehensive Starlets won the girls’ trophy after a 2-0 win against Omogwa Comprehensive.

In Homa Bay County, Kendu Muslim won the boys’ title after beating Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Hedso Queens (Saye Secondary School) won the girls’ title by beating Kachar Queens of Rangwe 3-2 on penalties.

Safaricom said the Nyanza Regional Finals will begin with an inter-county playoff, followed by coaches’ and players’ clinics, before proceeding to the semi-finals and finals at the Kisumu venue.

For Safaricom, the tournament sits alongside its wider brand and community initiatives and keeps the firm visible in regional markets beyond Nairobi, while offering structured competition for youth teams drawn from schools and community clubs. The regional finals are expected to determine which teams advance to subsequent stages of the Chapa Dimba competition.

Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive won the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region finals at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi on 16 Aug 2026.

Safaricom said each team received Ksh250,000 and qualified to represent the Western Region at the national finals next year.

Vihiga Cranes head coach Francis Muhambe said the team would now focus on the national finals.

“First, I want to thank God for this victory and also Safaricom for putting together such an amazing tournament.”

“We are delighted to win the Western Region title...” Muhambe said.

“But the job is not done yet; our focus now shifts to the national finals, where we hope to go all the way.”

Vihiga Cranes represented Vihiga County while Lugari Progressive (Archbishop Njenga Girls) represented Kakamega County at the finals in Bungoma County.

Safaricom said Vihiga Cranes beat Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School 1-0 in the boys’ final.

Tonny Omondi scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute with a header from Luke Ramsey’s corner delivery.

The girls’ final ended 0-0 in regular time before Lugari Progressive defeated Busia’s Chakol Girls 5-4 on penalties, Safaricom said.

The school-based competition is now in its fifth edition and forms part of Safaricom’s youth engagement and community programmes.

For Kenya’s young footballers, the tournament links regional talent identification with national competition and education awards.

Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge said resilience and preparation decided the girls’ final.

“It wasn’t an easy game, but I want to congratulate my girls for working hard, staying focused and fighting until the end to win the trophy...” Serenge said.

“The girls are really excited to be going home with Ksh250,000,” Serenge said.

He said the players also received other prizes including smartphones and airtime.

Safaricom said runners-up Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls each received Ksh150,000 alongside smartphones and airtime.

Individual awards in both categories included Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer prizes worth Ksh30,000 each, the company said.

The Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) award also carried Ksh30,000.

It also included a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

Safaricom said Chakol Girls’ Hanisa Mashasha shared the girls’ Top Scorer award with four Lugari Progressive players.

Those players were Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir.

Vihiga Cranes’ Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi shared the boys’ Top Scorer award with three Musokoto Secondary players.

Those players were Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai.

Safaricom said Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary won the boys’ MVP award while Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls won the girls’ award.

The company said Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive won the Best Goalkeeper awards.

Corporate-backed school competitions offer a channel for community investment and youth development through prize money and exposure to education opportunities.

Outside Nairobi, travel and hosting expenditure tied to regional finals can support local micro-businesses in transport, hospitality and retail trade.

The remaining regional winners will qualify for the national finals next year.

Safaricom said the Central Region finals will take place at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County on Saturday 29 Aug and Sunday 30 Aug.

Musokoto Secondary School from Busia County will play Vihiga Cranes from Vihiga County in the boys’ Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region final on Sunday, August 16, at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma, after both sides won their semi-finals on Saturday, August 15, organisers said in a press release.

In the girls’ final, Chakol Queens will face Lugari Progressive after the two teams recorded semi-final victories at the same venue, according to the statement.

The regional finals form part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba talent development tournament, which has become a key feeder platform for grassroots football across Kenya’s counties and a regular fixture in the country’s sports calendar. For Western Kenya, the event draws teams and spectators from counties including Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega and Bungoma, creating short-term activity for local vendors and host venues while providing exposure for youth players.

Musokoto booked their place in the boys’ final with a 3-0 win over Kakamega’s Green Buffaloes. The press release said Musokoto took an early lead in the second minute when Galvin Mukolwe scored from the penalty spot after Peter Franklin Pual was penalised for handball. Frankline Paul doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, and Tom Okitwi added a third in the 77th minute.

Green Buffaloes missed a penalty through Oliver Osinya, the organisers said.

“I am happy with today’s win. We played according to our game plan, and we hope to do the same when we meet Vihiga Cranes tomorrow in the final. This is our first time reaching the regional final, and we are determined to take the trophy back to Busia,” said Nicholas Okubala, head coach of Musokoto Secondary School, according to the press release.

Vihiga Cranes reached the final after edging Bungoma’s Terem 1-0, with Mellon Omondi scoring the match’s only goal, organisers said.

In the girls’ semi-finals, Lugari Progressive beat Bungoma’s Elgon Queens 4-0, with goals from Laura Lydia, Ziporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir, the statement said.

Chakol Queens beat Vihiga’s Blue Commandos 3-1 to seal the other girls’ final spot. The organisers said Michel Nasimiyu scored twice, Hanifa Mashasha added a third for the Busia side, and Mitchel Chepteek scored Blue Commandos’ consolation.

“Last season, we were knocked out in the semi-finals. This year, we are glad to have made it to the final. I know Lugari Progressive is a tough team, but we will play our game just as we did today. The girls are determined to lift this trophy for the first time and represent the region at the national championship,” said Abraham Muleme, head coach of Chakol Queens, according to the press release.

Organisers said the winning teams in the boys’ and girls’ finals will each receive KES 250,000 and qualify for the national finals, while the runners-up will each receive KES 150,000. Individual awards for best goalkeeper and top scorer in both categories will each earn KES 30,000, while the most valuable player (Golden Ball) will receive KES 30,000 and “an additional fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme,” according to the statement.

The outcome of the Western regional finals will determine the teams that represent the region at the national championship, with organisers expected to confirm the next stage’s fixtures and dates after the Bungoma event.

Safaricom will stage the Western Regional Finals of its Chapa Dimba Season 5 youth football tournament in Bungoma on August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, with eight teams set to compete for the regional title and National Finals qualification.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the telecoms operator said four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams drawn from Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and Kakamega counties will take part in the first regional finals of the season. The participating teams are Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School (Busia), Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos (Vihiga), Terem FC and Elgon Queens (Bungoma), and Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes (Kakamega).

Safaricom said each winning boys’ and girls’ team will receive KES 250,000 and secure a slot at the National Finals. Runners-up in each category will receive KES 150,000, according to the company.

“This weekend, we are all heading to Bungoma for our first Chapa Dimba Regional Final of the season. We have eight teams competing, and we expect a packed weekend of exciting action,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO. “I call on football fans across Western Kenya and beyond to turn up in large numbers, enjoy the action, and cheer on our talented young boys and girls.”

The girls’ semi-finals will open the weekend programme, with hosts Elgon Queens facing Lugari Progressive in the first match. The second girls’ semi-final will pit Blue Commandos against defending champions Chakol Queens, Safaricom said.

Fred Serenge, head coach of Lugari Progressive, said the team is targeting the regional title after falling short last season. “Last season, we lost 2-1 to Brenda Girls in the final, but this year we are determined to win both the regional and national titles,” Serenge said. He added that the tournament will, for the first time, provide Kenyan players an opportunity to participate in the Gothia Cup in Sweden through selection to the Season 5 All-Star team.

The boys’ semi-finals will feature hosts Terem FC against Vihiga Cranes, followed by Musokoto Secondary School versus Green Buffaloes, according to Safaricom.

Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the team is looking to repeat past success. “Last season, I led Ebwali Boys to the regional championship in the boys’ category, and this year, I am hoping to achieve the same with Vihiga Cranes after winning the Vihiga County title,” Muhambe said.

Beyond prize money for teams, Safaricom said it will issue individual awards: Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will also receive KES 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

The company said the Western Region segment attracted 521 teams across the four counties—340 boys’ teams and 181 girls’ teams—with Kakamega recording the highest participation at 214 teams, followed by Bungoma (160), Busia (79) and Vihiga (68). Nationwide, Safaricom said 3,178 teams registered for Season 5, comprising 2,367 boys’ teams and 811 girls’ teams.

For Kenya’s business landscape, Safaricom’s continued funding of grassroots sports programmes is part of broader corporate spending that supports talent pipelines, community engagement and local event-driven trade, particularly in host towns where match-day footfall can lift small business activity around venues. The tournament also aligns with a growing focus by corporates on youth development initiatives that link to education outcomes through scholarships, which can be positioned as long-term human capital investment.

The Western Regional Finals will culminate in category finals on Sunday, with the winners advancing to represent the region at the National Finals. Safaricom said the Season 5 All-Star team will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.