A football match organised by nominated MCA Harrison Kariuki Bundi in Karumandi ward, Kirinyaga county /ALICE WAITHERAWhen nominated MCA Harrison Bundi started a football tournament in Karumandi ward three years ago, his goal was simple: keep young people away from drugs, alcohol and crime while helping them discover and nurture their talents.
Today, the deaf leader says the initiative has grown into a powerful platform for youth empowerment, mentorship and economic transformation, with hundreds of young people actively participating in sports instead of engaging in destructive behaviours.
Speaking during the Season Three finals of the tournament held on Sunday, Bundi said many young people in the area were previously struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges and idleness after completing school.
He said the competition was introduced to provide an alternative path for the youth while creating awareness on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
According to Bundi, the programme has helped reduce cases of substance abuse and other social vices among young people, although he acknowledged that the challenge has not been completely eliminated.
“Since we launched the tournament, we have seen positive changes among many young people. Some who were abusing drugs and alcohol are now actively involved in sports, while others have become more focused on building their future,” he said.
The MCA noted that beyond football, the initiative has become a platform for mentorship and education on mental health and responsible decision-making among the youth.
Bundi said he has funded the tournament from his own pocket since its inception since he has no access to a development budget.
He attributed the success of the programme to support from his family, residents and the determination of young people who have embraced the initiative.
Bundi said the tournament has boosted economic activities in the area, with traders taking advantage of match days to sell locally produced roasted maize, sugar cane and other products.
He said the sporting events have enabled many small-scale traders to earn an income, support their families and pay school fees for their children amid difficult economic times.
“I am happy because apart from sports, the tournament has also created business opportunities for residents. Many people are making a living through the activities taking place during the matches,” the MCA said.
Bundi revealed that he intends to seek an elective seat in next year's general election, saying it would enable him to access resources needed to expand youth empowerment programmes in the ward.
If elected, he said, he plans to introduce more sporting disciplines including volleyball, rugby, marathons and darts to ensure more young people benefit from talent development initiatives.
The MCA also challenged persons living with disabilities to actively participate in leadership and elective politics, saying disability should not be a barrier to serving the community.
“Many people believe persons with disabilities can only get
leadership positions through nomination, but I want to prove that we can also
seek elective positions and deliver development to our people,” he said.
Kirinyaga nominated MCA Harrison Kariuki Bundi uses sign language during an interview on June 2, 2026 in Karumandi ward /ALICE WAITHERABundi said his decision to vie for an elective seat was informed by the challenges he has witnessed in the community, including poor roads, lack of bursaries and inadequate support for vulnerable residents.
Those with disabilities, he added, are continuously disadvantaged in accessing bursaries and other government services with little or no help.
Residents, who attended the finals, praised the tournament, saying it has helped transform the lives of many young people and strengthened community cohesion.
Resident Patrick Muriuki said the programme has provided a constructive environment for young people who would otherwise be vulnerable to negative influences.
“Many youths now spend their time playing or watching football instead of hanging around in bars. We appreciate what the MCA has done for young people in this area,” he said.
Another resident, Margaret Wawira, said the tournament has played a key role in reducing alcohol and drug abuse among young people.
“We are grateful because many youths who could have been lost to drugs and alcoholism are now engaged in sports. It has brought positive change to families and the entire community,” she said.
Karumande Bodaboda Association chairperson Samuel Mwai said the large turnout witnessed during the tournament demonstrates the impact the initiative has had on residents.
“He has achieved a lot despite not having a budget. The tournament has united people and given many young people hope and purpose,” he said.
