TURKANA-Kakuma Pride FC has made history for Turkana County after securing a remarkable 2-1 victory over Nairobi-based Kahawa Pride FC in an exciting football match played at Nyayo National On Wednesday July 28 2026.
The historic win came just a day after the Kakuma-based club arrived in Nairobi with a squad of 20 determined players, all eager to prove that football talent from Kakuma can compete at the highest level. For many of the players, the trip represented more than just another fixture it was an opportunity to showcase the immense potential of young footballers from both the refugee and host communities.
The match lived up to expectations, with both sides displaying quality football from the opening whistle. Kahawa Pride FC started strongly and created several early chances, but Kakuma Pride remained disciplined and well-organized, frustrating their opponents with a solid defensive performance.
Striker Cito broke the deadlock with a clinical finish to give Kakuma Pride the lead. Kahawa Pride fought back and found an equalizer in the second half, setting up a tense finale. However, Cito once again rose to the occasion, scoring his second goal to seal a memorable 2-1 victory for the visitors. His outstanding brace earned him the Man of the Match award and highlighted his growing reputation as one of Kakuma’s most promising footballers.
The victory also marked a major milestone for head coach Ebola, a refugee living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, who became the first coach from Kakuma to guide a team to victory at Nyayo National Stadium. His tactical discipline, confidence in young players, and leadership throughout the match received widespread praise.
Speaking after the final whistle, Coach Ebola described the victory as a proud moment for Kakuma and everyone who believes in grassroots football.
“We came to Nairobi with one mission to prove that Kakuma has exceptional football talent. The players followed the game plan with great discipline and fought for every ball. This victory belongs to the people of Kakuma, Turkana County, and everyone who has supported this team,” said Ebola.
Match hero Cito dedicated the victory to his teammates, saying teamwork was the key to their success.
“These goals are not just mine; they belong to the entire team. Every player gave everything on the pitch, and we believed in each other until the final whistle. We hope this victory inspires more young players from Kakuma to chase their dreams,” he said.
The historic triumph is expected to inspire more young footballers across Turkana County and Kakuma Refugee Camp while encouraging greater investment in grassroots football. It also demonstrates that, with the right opportunities and support, talented players from refugee communities can compete successfully on Kenya’s biggest football stages.
For years, Kakuma has largely been overlooked in Kenyan football despite producing a wealth of talented players. Coaches and sports stakeholders believe the region has enormous football potential but continues to face limited investment, inadequate facilities, and few opportunities for players to be scouted by professional clubs.
Kakuma’s football potential is perhaps best illustrated by the success of Awer Mabil, who spent part of his childhood in Kakuma Refugee Camp before his family was resettled in Australia. Mabil went on to represent the Australian national team and featured at the FIFA World Cup 2026, demonstrating that players with roots in Kakuma can reach the highest level of international football when given the necessary support and opportunities.
