Cheza Dimba 2024: Region by Region

1. Central Region – Kirinyaga County (April) – ACK Good Samaritan Mutiri

Kirinyaga County set the pace for Cheza Dimba 2024, proving that grassroots football thrives beyond the urban centers. Hosted at ACK Good Samaritan Mutiri, the tournament showcased raw talent, strong team structures, and a deep connection between football and community identity. However, challenges arose around player eligibility and club structures, emphasising the need for more rigorous verification processes in grassroots football.

2. Eastern Region – Meru County (May) – Kinoru Stadium

Meru’s Kinoru Stadium provided an excellent venue for the Eastern edition, boasting one of the best playing surfaces of the tournament. The tournament saw high fan engagement, fueled by county support and a strong local football culture. However, logistical challenges, particularly around team travel and last-minute adjustments, highlighted the need for better regional coordination.

3. North Rift – Uasin Gishu County (June) – Wareng’ School

Eldoret, widely regarded as Kenya’s home of athletics, also proved to be a football hotbed during the Cheza Dimba North Rift edition. Hosted at Wareng’ School, the tournament attracted highly disciplined teams with strong tactical awareness. However, a lack of established club funding models remains a key challenge in the region.

4. Western Region – Kakamega County (August) – Mumias Sports Complex

Football in Western Kenya has long been synonymous with high energy and technical prowess, and the Mumias Sports Complex provided the perfect setting for an intense showdown. This edition was historic, as Greenblades SPASS FC became the first women’s team to secure the Cheza Dimba sponsorship, marking a significant step for women’s football. The tournament also revealed the need for better enforcement of eligibility rules, as multiple teams were disqualified due to fielding ineligible players.

5. Nairobi Region – Nairobi County (August) – Dandora Stadium

The Nairobi edition was fiercely contested at Dandora Stadium, a venue that has seen its fair share of top-tier Kenyan football. With the highest number of applications, Nairobi’s edition showcased the depth of football talent in the capital, with university students and semi-pro players influencing team dynamics. The urban football scene brought unique challenges, particularly around balancing community-driven football and structured FKF pathways.

6. Nyanza Region – Kisumu County (September) – Moi Stadium (Men), Kisumu Day School (Women)

The Nyanza edition, hosted at Moi Stadium for the men’s games and Kisumu Day School for the women’s tournament, was a cultural and sporting spectacle. Nyanza, home to some of Kenya’s most passionate football supporters, saw record-breaking attendance numbers including the presence of FKF and county representatives underscored the region’s commitment to structured football development.The tournament also reinforced the importance of separating men’s and women’s fixtures to ensure maximum visibility for both competitions.

7. South Rift – Bomet County (October) – Bomet Green Stadium

Bomet County proved that rural Kenya is not lacking in football potential. Hosted at Bomet Green Stadium, the tournament was defined by tactical discipline and well-organized club structures. Teams from the region demonstrated solid youth development programs, an encouraging sign for future football progression. However, travel logistics for teams coming from remote parts of South Rift highlighted the need for improved transport solutions.

8. Coast Region – Mombasa County (November) – Freretown Stadium

The final regional tournament of 2024 took place in Mombasa, a region known for its skillful and flamboyant football style. Hosted at Freretown Stadium, the event was one of the most vibrant, with strong county involvement and significant media presence. The unique challenge in Coast football remains the lack of structured grassroots funding, an area where Cheza Dimba can continue making an impact.