Inaugural Nairobi Sports Festival to showcase sporting talent from informal settlements

NAIROBI, KENYA — Two of Kenya's most respected sport-for-development institutions, the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation and The Omanyala Foundation, today announced the inaugural Nairobi Sports Festival, a two-day multi-sport event to be held on 20–21 November 2026 at the University of Nairobi Sports Ground. The Festival coincides with World Children's Day and will bring together an estimated 3,000–3,500 children, youth and community members from across Nairobi.

The Festival will feature football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, cycling, tennis, outdoor board games, a CEOs'/Corporate Challenge, and family activities — with informal-settlement teams and athletes competing directly alongside professionals, universities, and public and private schools. Showcase matches will pit the champions of the Festival's Informal Settlements competitions against professional sides, giving grassroots talent a national stage.

“Every child, no matter which neighbourhood they were born into, deserves a stage to show what they can do. This Festival is about giving that stage to the children of Nairobi's informal settlements, and standing with them on a day the world sets aside for children everywhere.” 
— Tegla Loroupe, Founder, Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation

Beyond the two days of competition, the Festival aims to raise funds for a year-round sport-for development and welfare programme serving Nairobi's informal-settlement communities. The event also serves as a public statement on child rights, protection and participation, in line with the spirit of World Children's Day.

We are inviting corporate partners, government bodies, international development organisations and members of the public to support the Festival through sponsorship, in-kind contributions or attendance. 

“I grew up believing that talent exists everywhere in this country — it simply needs a chance to be seen. This Festival will help us find that talent in Nairobi's settlements and connect it to the pathways that can change a young person's life.” 
— Ferdinand Omanyala, Founder, The Omanyala Foundation

Further details on the competition schedule, partnership opportunities and how to get involved can be accessed on our socials or website at www.nairobisportsfestival.org