A mention of Free area, Kwa Murogi, Madaraka and Mwangaza estates in Nakuru East Constituency, and what would come to the minds of many Nakurians is the insecurity.
Infact, the area was prone to insecurity with criminal activities such as phone snatching, drug and substance abuse among the youth of the area, plus teenage pregnancies.
Issues that for many years have left Parents and security personnel in the area scratching heads as they try to find solutions.
However, a football team started in the area to nurture talents is now helping address the gaps in morals among teenagers.
Dubbed FlamCity Starlets, the idea of forming the team was initiated by a Nakuru-based Shem Kariuki alias DJ A Happy.
In an interview with Kariuki on February 23, 2025, he revealed that this is a story of hope that great things can happen no matter the environment that one comes from.
According to Kariuki who is now the Director, reveals already a Football Academy has been established.
The Academy was started in 2022 June to help address teenage pregnancies, crime, drugs and substance abuse.
He noted that inorder to address the ills, there was need to bring boys on board and thus through the FlamCity Football Academy.
“We had FlamCity Starlets in place but then we felt to address the issues in this area there was need to bring boys on board and that is why we came up with the Academy,” he stated.
The Director is very grateful for the team and the achievements made so far.
The team played in Nakuru League and became number two and one in first and second season respectively.
The second achievement is that the team has also won Rausha Kipaji tournament for two years.
In addition, FlamCity Starlets have been champions for interyouth girls under 15 category, Utumishi Opens Tournament among others.
Currently, the team has been able to have scholarship for their players in various schools.
Kariuki notes that this is one of the biggest achievements so far in supporting education.
“We are able to assist more than 15 boys and girls various schools to support education,” he stated.
The team is also shining nationally as last year one player by the name Douglas was called in Talanta Hela provisional squad in Wldo.
This year another player Serah Wanjiru was called in provisional squad Junior Starlets under 17.
“We are happy that we are raising a society that will be teenage pregnancies free, drug free and crime free,” he stated.
The youths now engage in their training at Lion Hill Comprehensive School Grounds in Free Area.
Kariuki states that they are engaging parents to ensure wholesome training for the kids with frequent meetings between parents and the officials.
He is also grateful for Buraha Zenoni Hotel for stepping in to support the team.
According to Kariuki, for the last two years, the hotel has continued to support the team through transport, water and food.
Peter Kamau from FKF has also supported the team in realizing their dreams.
The team has also worked closely with Ubunifu Sports Academy that is now supporting girls with sanitary pads.
The FlamCity Starlets is now elevated to regional league and boys enrolled in Subcounty League.
Apart from the talents, the team is also working towards transforming the society and giving back to the community through various initiatives such as ‘Siivai Shika’, ‘Football for Pads’ and ‘Niko set kwa Test and Set’.
The FlamCity Starlets players are optimist that great things are coming their way.
Led by Serah Wanjiru who plays number 6, lauded the efforts made.
A Form 3 student at Menengai High School, Serah notes that girl child has continued to go through a lot of challenges especially in informal settlements.
Wanjiru who has a dream of becoming an accountant, believes with determination all is possible and notes that with sports, then they remain engaged and no room for engaging in criminal activities.
“My advice to the youth in this area is to remain focus. Those with passion for talent can also engage in trainings and shape their future,” she states.
On her part Jenifer Lubui- the Captain FlamCity Starlets notes that football has helped transform the area.
In an exclusive interview with famous Nakuru.co.ke she pointed out that the football as a sport has helped address the issues of drugs and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and crime.
“My encouragement to youth in this area to shun drugs and substance abuse. Let them engage in constructive activities,” she stated.
Lion Hill Headteacher Mr. Robert Mwangi admits that the football training is playing key role in transforming the area.
Mr. Mwangi points out that the training has seen his learners exposed to various aspects that shape their discipline.
He urged parents to support their children on matters talents.
“We have seen improvement through the football training. I urge parents to give their children support both in academics and sports to help nurture them as a whole,” he stated.
Patrick Obukhaya is the Chairman FlamCity Starlets Parents.
A parent of Form 2 learner who benefited from scholarship from FlamCity Starlets Football Academy, he notes that the Academy has helped shape morals.
While pointing out that Free Area for many years has had a negative image, he was quick to point out that with the Academy things will change.
He urged leaders and other well wishers to step in and ensure the team is supported.
“The Gen Z we have now, they need support failure to which they will engage in criminal activities that will mess the society,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Daniel Masika and Beatrice Atieno.
The duo called for the need for collaboration in ensuring a better society.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.