How football is promoting peace on Jubaland border

 Teams from Lamu and Jubaland during a football tournament aimed at maintaining peace at their borders.

A cross-border football tournament in Ras Kamboni brought together communities from Kenya and Somalia in a joint effort to promote peace, strengthen unity, and engage youth through sport.

Dubbed ‘Kick for Peace’, the tournament brought together teams and residents from Kiunga in Kenya and Ras Kamboni in Jubaland under the unifying theme ‘One Border, One Ball, One Peace’.

 The initiative was organized by Shee Kupi Shee, Director for Disaster Management, Lamu county, in partnership with the Government of Jubaland State of Somalia, with coordination support from Kenyan authorities and regional stakeholders.

The event attracted senior delegations from both sides of the border, reflecting growing cooperation on peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and regional stability.

Among the key dignitaries present was H.E Mbarak Bahjaj, Deputy Governor of Lamu County, who praised the initiative as a model for community-driven peace.

“Today’s successful cross-border tournament demonstrates that peace is possible when communities choose dialogue, unity, and youth empowerment over division. The overwhelming participation of women, elders, and young people shows that sport remains one of the strongest tools for inclusive peacebuilding and regional cohesion,” said H.E Mbarak Bahjaj.

Also in attendance was Abdirashid, Minister for Sports and Youth Development in Jubaland State, who underscored the broader significance of the tournament beyond sport.

“This tournament is more than a football match; it is a symbol of brotherhood and shared responsibility between the people of Jubaland and Lamu. By investing in youth through sports, cooperation, and opportunity, we are building stronger communities resistant to extremism, violence, and hopelessness,” said Hon. Abdirashid.

Other Jubaland ministers in attendance included officials from the Blue Economy and Fisheries, as well as Trade and Industrialization portfolios, alongside elders, women leaders, peace actors, and development partners from both countries.

Organizers said the initiative was designed to provide constructive alternatives for young people vulnerable to violent extremism, drug abuse, and criminal influence in border regions.

The packed stadium reflected strong public enthusiasm for sports-led peacebuilding, with vibrant participation from youth, women, and elders.

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, the President of Jubaland sponsored a community luncheon for participants and residents, reinforcing cross-border solidarity. Jubaland authorities also issued a cash prize of Sh150,000 shared between the competing teams.

Following an intense and competitive match, the winning side lifted the silver-styled ‘Shee Kupi Shee Cup,’ a trophy symbolizing unity, fair play, and shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Leaders from both Kenya and Somalia pledged to sustain similar initiatives, emphasising that long-term stability along the border will depend on stronger community ties, youth empowerment, and expanded economic opportunities.

They reiterated that grassroots diplomacy anchored in sport remains a powerful tool for building trust and resilience across the frontier.