Sometimes (which is most of the time), I spend so much energy bashing government policies and pointing out every place stakeholders have failed the youth. But allow me—for once—to step aside from the usual fire and brimstone. Today’s story isn’t about government neglect. It’s about what can actually work when passion, grit, and commitment are given a chance.
Because let’s face it—what the Kenyan National Team just pulled off in the CHAN competitions is nothing short of inspirational.
Against all odds, in a group politely nicknamed the “Group of Death”—and for good reason, considering it had two-time winners Morocco, 2019 AFCON champions Zambia, and the ever-imposing DR Congo—our boys clawed their way through with 3 wins and 1 draw. Now, not only are they basking in national pride, but they’ve bagged close to 5 million shillings each plus a free house under the Affordable Housing Project.
Let that sink in: from sweat and sacrifice on the pitch… to a key in hand and a bank account smiling back.
Meanwhile, Back at the Baze…
Now here’s where the sarcasm kicks in. Because while these players are breaking sweat, dodging tackles, and writing their names in history books, what are some of our brothers back home doing?
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Perched at the “Jaba baze” (the most prestigious of local universities, apparently), endlessly chewing miraa until their gums could qualify for SHIF coverage.
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Scoffing at others’ efforts with that legendary village insult: “Wewe hautoi kitu buana!” (Translation: “You’re not giving handouts, so you’re useless.”)
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Investing their energy—not in training, not in hustling, not even in dreaming—but in smoking, drinking, gambling, and perfecting the art of sneering at those who dare to try.
These are the very people who take pride in doing absolutely nothing and yet have the audacity to look down on those who dare to commit themselves to something bigger. And to be blunt—they are the enemy within. Not because they’re poor, or disadvantaged, or struggling (we all struggle), but because they’ve adopted the most dangerous posture of all: apathy dressed in arrogance.
Passion Pays (Literally)
Our footballers just proved something the “Do-Nothing Brigade” doesn’t want to hear: passion pays. Commitment pays. Grit pays. And in this case, it paid to the tune of millions of shillings and a brand-new home.
It may not always come in such grand prizes, but the principle holds true. The world doesn’t reward the sarcastic heckler on the sidelines. It rewards the player in the arena.
A Call to Action
So to my brothers who think life is best lived leaning on a shop counter with red eyes and a lottery ticket—this is my plea (and maybe my sarcasm dripping through):
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Drag yourself out of the baze.
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Put down the bottle.
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Stop sneering at those who hustle.
Pull up just a little bit. Join the fight for a better tomorrow. Because if these young men can take on Morocco and Zambia and walk away with victory and dignity, then surely you can take on your own life with something more than a plastic cup and a pack of miraa.
Kenya needs more players and fewer spectators.
About Author: Kevin Makova
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