Savani Peace Football Tournament

Community sporting events bring people together, providing neutral surroundings and allowing views and opinions to be shared impartially whilst having fun and meeting new people. It was with this in mind, that the Peace Football Tournament was conceived.

Local administration and opinion leaders, together with Eastern Produce were keen to find ways to promote messages of peace prior to the upcoming Kenyan elections. They felt there was a need to bring the young people of the surrounding communities together and for them to interact with Eastern Produce estate workers to educate them on ways of maintaining peace and security during and after the elections. It was decided that no forum would be better than having them play a match together. 

The games kicked off with a ladies curtain raiser between Savani Estate vs Community Ladies. Followed by Kapgoros Facotry vs Barasendu play for 3rd and 4th place, resulting with Barasendu winning 2-0.

The highly anticipated final match, Chepsire FC vs Kamkong Division kicked off at 4.30pm.  Heavy rains pounded the field but nothing could detract from the excitement. With the score at 0-0 and full time fast approaching it was certain the game would end with a penalty shootout. After scoring 2 goals Kamkong Division were victorious and named the champions of the Peace Tournament.

The organisers were overwhelmed with the huge attendance from the estate and communities. The positivity from the young people involved was incredible, showing placards with the words

The event was a huge success, so much so that Eastern Produce have been asked to assist in assembling two goals posts at their home ground at Chepsire Primary School. On behalf of the community, the local Area Chief thanked Eastern Produce for the donations they had given and Savani Management for organising the event. The tournament achieved its goals of building relationships and easing tension in a time of uncertainty. We look forward to events such as these taking place more regularly in the future.