VIVA Tournament scores big for SRHR

In Nairobi, football wasn’t just about goals—it was about game-changing conversations. The vibrant energy of the Vijana Vuka na Afya (VIVA) tournaments drew in thousands of young fans and players, and amid the cheers and friendly rivalry, something powerful was happening: sensitisation on to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The core goal of the VIVA program is to improve access to essential services for youth in target regions through integrating health services, sports and talent promotion, vocational training, and reproductive health education.

YSW leverages sports as a powerful tool to mobilise and engage young people—creating safe, dynamic spaces where they can come together, showcase their talents, and access critical information and services on SRHR, life skills, and empowerment.

The tournaments, held at Kayole Calvary Grounds for the ladies and Githurai Sports Ground for the men, featured 18 teams from nine constituencies.

Halftime breaks turned into learning moments as peer educators led group and one-on-one health talks on topics including contraception and STI prevention, menstrual health, life skills, and youth-friendly services.

Healthcare workers were at hand to deliver integrated youth-friendly services throughout the three days. Services included HIV Testing Services, contraceptive counselling and provision, and cancer screening.

These were offered in a safe, youth-friendly environment designed to build trust, protect confidentiality, and ensure the comfort of adolescent and youth participants.

The chief guest, Permanent Secretary for State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Fikirini Jacobs, committed to continue encouraging such initiatives to reach more youth in the different regions.

And as the final whistles blew, Githurai All Stars claimed victory in the men’s category, and Kayole Youth lifted the trophy in the ladies’ category.