The Tujiamini Initiative by SportPesa marked a major milestone with the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Highrise Volleyball Community Court in Highrise Estate, Nairobi.
The project is led by Emmanuel Kipkemoi Yegon, the Nairobi Gold Category winner who received KES1 million to develop a safe and standard volleyball facility designed to benefit hundreds of young people in the community.
Emmanuel is the chairman and founder of the Highrise Kenya Volleyball Community, a movement created in 2018 to give youth in underserved areas access to sports, mentorship, and positive alternatives to negative influences. The community currently engages more than 300 active young people who train, learn life skills, support each other, and build a culture of #WeRiseTogether.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Emmanuel said: “Highrise has always been a story of determination. We started with makeshift courts and borrowed equipment, but our dream never changed. This court will give our youth a safe place to train, grow, and believe in themselves. We are honoured that the Tujiamini Initiative by SportPesa believes in and supports this journey.”
The groundbreaking marks a new chapter for the Highrise Volleyball Community. The development will include resurfacing the court, installing proper nets and posts, adding safety improvements, and equipping the youth with new training gear.
Speaking at the event, Japheth Akhulia, Head of Partnerships and Sponsorships, said: “We are happy to support Emmanuel and the Highrise Community through The Tujiamini Initiative by SportPesa. We have moved around eight regions across the country and witnessed how Tujiamini is transforming lives. This is a culmination of that work. We are committed to positive change that champions young talent and builds stronger communities through the Tujiamini Awards.”
The Tujiamini Initiative by SportPesa continues to identify and support individuals who are using talent, leadership, and service to uplift others. The Highrise Volleyball Court project will empower more than 150 youth directly, while inspiring many more across surrounding neighbourhoods.
With the regional Tujiamini and Cheza Dimba Awards now complete, attention shifts to the upcoming National Finals. This event will serve as the culmination of both initiatives, bringing the best regional teams together to face off for the top prize and national glory. The finals will showcase talent from across all eight regions, demonstrating the power of sport to unite, inspire, and elevate youth from every corner of the country. As the Tujiamini Initiative by SportPesa continues to champion football excellence and community empowerment, all eyes are now on the teams preparing to write the next chapter of this growing movement.
