Beyond the net: How Githurai Kimbo Volleyball Academy is using sport to fight societal ills

In the tightly packed streets of Githurai 44 and 45, life rarely slows down long enough to breathe. Here, survival is not just a concept but a daily negotiation.

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The two neighbourhoods are frequently described in the same breath: overcrowded, with mass unemployment, and the ever-present shadow of petty crime. Stories of phone snatching, drug abuse, and gang activity are common currency, while rapid urbanisation continues to stretch already limited resources.

But even in the midst of this noise, something softer yet powerful is taking root.

Amid the chaos, there is the steady, grounding sound of a volleyball meeting the palm of a hand.

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On a rare calm Friday evening at Lily Academy Grounds in Githurai 45, the tension that often hangs in the air seems to loosen its grip. The sky opens up, clear and forgiving. At exactly 4 PM, children begin to trickle in, then pour in, all drawn to this space as if it were something sacred.

At first glance, the field is bare. No posts. No nets. Nothing to suggest what it is about to become.

But then, almost like a ritual, transformation begins. The best part is that this transformation is free for all the children.

The children arrive already changed. Without being told, they lift posts into place, stretch out the nets, and claim the ground as their own. Their coach, Gideon Njine, stands watching. He does not have to say a word because the discipline lives in them now.

Before the first whistle or drill, they form a circle, heads bowed. For a brief moment, the noise of Githurai fades, replaced by whispered prayers and hopes spoken into the evening air.

Then training begins. Njine, blending old-school grit with a modern touch, moves among them with calm authority.

Nearly 35 children attended training on the day, and yet he knows each one. As it turns out, he not only knows their names, but their stories, their struggles, their small victories.

Warm-ups flow into drills, drills into one-on-one guidance, and soon the court is alive with movement and laughter.

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But beneath it all, there is something deeper unfolding.

A safe space in a fragile environment

“For many of these kids, this is an escape,” assistant coach James Muiruri Mwangi says.

Having grown up in Githurai himself, Mwangi understands the pull of the streets.

“In a low-income area like this, children are exposed to negative peer pressure and issues like drug abuse. This program gives them an alternative,” he explains.

What began as a personal love for the game has evolved into a mission. Mwangi notes that beyond developing players, the program is shaping disciplined, focused, and hopeful individuals.

“We look at their interest first. These kids are passionate, willing to learn, and committed. That’s what motivates us as coaches,” he says.

From two children to a growing movement

For project manager Charles Kamau, the journey has been long and intentional.

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“I have lived in Githurai since 1999. In 2003, we started the volleyball team, but over time, we noticed many children were going astray. That’s when we decided to start the academy,” he explains.

What began with just two children has grown into a program of over 160 participants.

The academy now operates across different age groups and skill levels, dividing training sessions to cater for beginners, high school students, and advanced players. Their efforts have also attracted international support.

In 2020, a proposal to the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) bore fruit, securing them scholarships, equipment, and training opportunities.

“So far, they have sponsored seven individuals; five coaches and two referees, and supported 42 students,” Kamau says.

The ripple effect has been significant. Players from the program have progressed to Kenya’s national volleyball league, joining established teams such as Kenya Army, Equity, and KPA.

But perhaps the most telling shift has been within the community itself.

“When parents saw their children getting sponsorships, they began to understand the value of the program,” Kamau adds.

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Coaching beyond the court

For Njine, coaching is deeply personal.

Having spent over 15 years in Githurai, first as a player with KCB Volleyball Club, and now as a coach, his journey has come full circle. His transition into coaching was driven by a simple observation: children lingering after training sessions, eager for a chance to play.

“I saw their passion, and I knew I had to do something,” he recalls.

But the challenges are real. Many of the children lack necessities like shoes, uniforms, and sometimes even food. Parental involvement is inconsistent, and financial struggles are widespread.

“Some of these boys don’t have father figures. My goal is not just to make them good players, but responsible individuals,” Njine says.

His inspiration stems from his own upbringing; his mother was a church teacher, and a mentor, Joseph Mugo, who shaped his outlook on life.

“What was done for me is what I want to do for them,” he says.

Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the transformation. Between 20 and 30 boys have significantly turned their lives around, with some progressing to colleges, TVET institutions, and universities.

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Dreams shaped by opportunity

For the players, volleyball is more than a game; it is a lifeline.

Swabrina Naliaka discovered the sport through school, encouraged by a friend. Today, it represents something far greater.

“It keeps me active and helps me maintain a positive mindset. If I weren’t here, I could have fallen into early marriage or early pregnancy,” she says.

Ben Bagaza, 15, echoes a similar sentiment. Introduced to the sport by a friend, he now finds structure and purpose in training.

“Even in class, my mind feels more open. If I weren’t here, I’d probably just be wasting time.”

He dreams of being recruited by top clubs and eventually representing the country.

The road ahead

Despite its success, the program faces significant hurdles. Equipment remains scarce, with a single volleyball ball costing around Ksh7,000. Managing over 160 children, especially during school holidays, stretches the available resources.

Yet, the vision remains unwavering.

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“In the next five years, I see this expanding beyond Githurai and impacting society at large,” Mwangi says.

Kamau shares a similar outlook, hoping to extend the initiative across Kiambu County and beyond.

Njine, ever the optimist, believes the best is yet to come.

“If we stay on this path, we will be competing at the highest level in this country,” he confidently utters.

As the sun sets over Githurai 45, the session winds down. The nets come down, the posts are packed away, and the field returns to its original, unassuming state. But for the children who trained there, something lasting remains.