… Expanded Education Scholarships, Gothia Cup tournament in Sweden, Lowered Age Limit ,VEO camera technology among others
KISUMU, May 2026 –With pomp and glamour, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa officially launched the newly improved fifth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on Saturday, May 9th.
With an investment of Sh400 million, the largest telco in East and Central Africa aims to further solidify the tournament as a premier pipeline for scouting and nurturing football talent across the country.
Partnering with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Safaricom is leveraging the tournament to transform lives through sports, education, and economic empowerment.
“We are the biggest supporter of passion points. So we are happy to support, the youth, communities and sports like we are doing with Chapa Dimba on football, or the Creative Economy,” he explained.
What’s New in Season 5?
According to Ndegwa, this edition introduces several strategic shifts designed to align with global scouting standards and broaden the impact on participants.
“We have lowered the age limit to facilitate earlier talent discovery, the age bracket has been adjusted to 15–18 years (down from the previous 16–20).“
He added that they will move beyond training camps in Spain, with this year’s All-Stars team traveling to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious youth football tournament.
Building on the AI Vests introduced in the previous editions- a first of its kind in Kenya, he revealed that Safaricom as a purpose-led technology company,has added VEO camera technology to enhance advanced scouting technology.
“These automated iPod cameras track ball movement, providing scouts with an integrated view of how players interact with the game alongside their physical data,” he explained.
To expand the scholarship scope for players, Chapa Dimba Season 5 will include University placements, and also offer 150 Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) scholarships like in Season 4.
This, he emphasised will ensure that high-performing students can pursue higher education even if they do not transition into professional football.
The largest telco in East and Central Africa has also pulled a major first by introducing a new initiative targeting the Creative Economy christened “Capture the Good” Creative Campaign.
It will see photographers and videographers compete to tell the stories of Chapa Dimba’s community impact. Winners will receive equipment, Sh1 million in prizes, and Sh250,000 to fund a community project of their choice.
Striving to remain a grassroots powerhouse, the Chapa Dimba tournament will see both boys and girls teams progressing from ward levels to a national grand finale.
CEO Ndegwa announced that the prize money for winning teams nationally will be Sh1,000,000, while the runners-up and third place taking home Sh500,000, and Sh250,000 respectively. Additional cash prizes and scholarships will be awarded to County winners and Most Valuable Players (MVPs).
Beyond the pitch, Safaricom is deploying its “Safari machinery” to provide holistic support to Kenyan communities, through two foundations –MPESA Foundation and Safaricom Foundations.
They generally focus on four areas such as Education by thinking about citizens of the future, Economic empowerment, Health, and Environment.”
In Health, the MPESA Foundation will host medical camps alongside the regional matches to provide healthcare access to underserved communities. There will also be voice and data customer services.
Financial Inclusion through the promotion of products like Ziidi (savings) and Pochi La Biashara, which currently supports two million small business owners.
On infrastructure upgrade, CEO Peter Ndegwa confirmed plans to build “Schools of the Future” in regions like Kisumu to bolster long-term education.
On his part, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, lauded Safaricom for their commitment and strengthened support for the youth development program over the years across the country through the beautiful game of football.
“We don’t take it for granted, we are truly appreciative of this great investment and we wish you all the best as you continue to grow this home brand,” he stated.
On the benefits and the gains, he reiterated that this is a clear pathway for thousands of young children who will find themselves in professional football down the road.
Chapa Dimba, he explained offers a good platform for preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
“I’m sure one of these players that we will pick from Safaricom Chapa Dimba, will be playing in the World Cup in 2030. I am very confident that we will be able to achieve that,” Hussein said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Matthew Owili, appreciated the launch of the fifth edition of the tournament in the lakeside city.
“Chapa Dimba, has empowered our youth of our country, and especially the youth of Kisumu. Seeing our local teams like Obunga FC and Nyakach Plateau Queens succeed proves the talent we have in the lakeside city,” Dr Owili remarked.
The launch saw an ecstatic crowd watch a scintillating display of football in exhibition matches with Nyakach Plateau Queens defeating Butere Girls (2-1), Green Commandos edging past Kisumu Day (2-1), and Safaricom Staff beating Content Creators (2-1).
In other mouth-watering clashes, Kisumu Media settled for a barren draw with Safaricom Chapa Dimba All Stars, Manyatta FC overcame Obunga FC in penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time, while high-billed derby AFC Leopards Youth beat their Gor Mahia counterparts in a penalty shootout after a barren draw in normal time. Registration for the tournament officially opens on Monday, May 11th.
