By Faith Anene, Shinyalu
A young businessman is making waves far beyond the local football fields. Brian Bulinda, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, has embarked on a mission that combines his passion for football with his commitment to youth empowerment.
His innovative approach is transforming the lives of talented secondary school students in Shinyalu constituency, offering them a pathway to educational success through football.
Brian Bulinda, 37, who deals in the supply and installation and maintenance of elevators said that when he was growing up, he was aware of the challenges faced by talented young football players in his community.
“Many students with exceptional football skills often found themselves with limited opportunities, particularly when it came to higher education,” said Mr Bulinda, during a football tournament he had organized at Shihuli primary school,”
Driven by a vision to bridge this gap, Bulinda set out to create a platform where young footballers could not only showcase their talents but also gain access to crucial educational resources.
In a bid to identify and nurture young football talent, the father of three established a series of football tournaments aimed specifically at secondary school students. These tournaments are more than just competitive events; they are a gateway to scholarships and educational opportunities.
“Each tournament is carefully organized to attract scouts, educational institutions, and sponsors,” said Bulinda
He added: “Talented players are given the chance to shine, and those who stand out receive scholarships that cover their school fees, ensuring they can continue their education while pursuing their football dreams,”
Most of them have been recruited by Kakamega School, Shanderema and Lukusi secondary school respectively.
In the latest tournament, City Stars were the champions after humiliating Wazee FC 2-1 goals while Banana FC and Shanjero FC were the 3rd and 4th runners up.
City Stars received a cash award of Sh7,500, Wazee FC got Sh5, 000, Banana FC received Sh3, 500 and Shanjero FC went home with Sh2, 500.
Shivakala Academy from Shitaho, Tsunami United senior team and Tsunami United under 15 also participated in the tournament.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana through St Paul’s Shibuye Boys Primary School head teacher, Casper Mumia, gave out Sh5, 000 to the participating teams. Former AFC Leopards superstar, Josphat Murila alias ‘controler’ graced the tournament.
The impact of Bulinda’s initiative has been profound. Many students who once faced uncertain futures have found new hope and opportunities. Through his tournaments, several young athletes have secured scholarships, enabling them to attend prestigious schools and participate in higher-level football programs.
“Football has always been a passion of mine, but I wanted to use it as a tool to make a real difference,” Bulinda said, adding, “Seeing these students achieve their dreams, both in the classroom and on the field, is incredibly rewarding. It’s proof that with the right support and opportunities, young people from our community can achieve great things.”
Looking to the future, Bulinda aims to expand his initiative to include more schools and regions, and to forge additional partnerships with educational and sports institutions. His goal is to build a sustainable framework that can serve as a blueprint for other communities in need.
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