Since the disputed Kenyan presidential election in December 2007 – resulting in murders, looting and the burning of houses and churches – the Kenya Game On! team has endured some challenges but is working to restore a slice of normalcy to children’s lives there. 

   Kenya’s Game On! Youth Sports program took advantage of its embedded sports power by organizing a peace and reconciliation match to drive home its message of peace to the residents of Kiambiu, as well as others throughout the country.

   Players walked 10 kilometers through the streets of Kiambiu singing peace songs, highlighted by a soccer match between youth teams from Kiambiu and Kinyago. Before the match began peace statements were read aloud by the team captains and a moment of silence was held in remembrance of those who have lost their lives during these difficult times.

   “The underlining issue of the statements was for everyone to understand the importance of the event and power of building peace through sports,” said Enouce Ndeche, coordinator for Game On! Kenya. 

   Following the 30-minute match, the players continued their walk through some of the most affected areas where buildings had been burned down. At every stop a moment of silence was observed.

   A 20-minute street soccer match was also played on one of Kiambiu's streets to help deliver the message of peace to community members. After the match, peace statements were read aloud by the team captains and volunteers. There was also a word of prayer and the Kenyan national anthem.