When you think of Kenya, the "Big 5" animals often come to mind, representing the magnificent wildlife that draws tourists to our safaris. But now, there's a new "Big 5" in town—one that represents Kenya's rising stars in sports. These are the five athletes and community leaders who have emerged as the Gold Winners of the Tujiamini by SportPesa initiative.
Launched in March, Tujiamini has already recognized hundreds of talents across the nation, awarding cash prizes and supporting the dreams of the next generation of sports legends. Let us introduce you to the Tujiamini Big 5, future Olympians, record-breakers, and community heroes who are aiming to represent Kenya in new ways.
1. Samuel Muturi: Kayaking trailblazer, putting Kenya on the kayaking map.
Tujiamini's journey began in Central Kenya with Samuel Muturi, a kayaking ace with dreams of becoming East Africa’s first Olympic qualifier in kayak slalom. While kayaking isn’t a mainstream sport in Kenya, Samuel's passion and dedication have set him apart. He trains daily on the Sagana River's rapids, doubling as a rafting guide to support his dream. After winning the Tujiamini Gold award, Samuel is in the process of acquiring a specialized kayak, imported from Europe, thanks to a network of friends supporting his Olympic aspirations. Keep an eye on this rising star as he makes waves both locally and internationally.
2. Fridah Ndinda: Kenya’s Next Running Sensation.
Fridah Ndinda has long been touted as the next big thing in Kenyan athletics. With local brands like Tatu City backing her, she is already a known runner to watch. But it was her rigorous training regime and commitment to achieving her goal of becoming the best, including dragging tires to build strength, that caught the attention of Tujiamini. Through her Gold award, Fridah and her coach partnered with DBA Africa to create a strategy for her path to greatness. The funds allowed her to invest in supplements, recovery tools, and even a massage table. She recently competed courtesy of Tujiamini in the RUN YOUR CITY Tshwane 10k in South Africa, leading the pack for most of the race, before finishing a respectable 5th. During the recent Nairobi Expressway 10km she was able to finish 2nd, as she continues her journey to the top of the podium.
3. Elekana Ruto: Building a Community Gym in North Rift.
In the heart of Kenya’s running capital, North Rift, Elekana Ruto emerged as Tujiamini’s third Gold winner. While the region is home to many elite long-distance runners, Elekana stood out for his commitment to supporting the community. He applied on behalf of 52 coaches and over 5,000 athletes, aiming to establish a shared gym where all athletes can train. Thanks to Tujiamini, the project is underway, with Elekana working closely with local authorities to secure space and resources. This initiative will not only support current athletes but also inspire future generations of champions.
4. Tyson Juma: The Future Sprint King of Kenya.
Western Kenya is known for producing powerful athletes, especially in rugby and football, but Tyson Juma is blazing a trail in sprinting. A former rugby player, Tyson has transitioned to athletics with dreams of conquering both Kenya and the world. Following in the footsteps of Kenya’s sprinting sensation Ferdinand Omanyala, Tyson's speed and determination earned him Tujiamini’s support. With the KSh 500,000 award, Tyson will travel to France for a high-performance training camp, while he has already received a mountain of supplements to help him get his body in peak shape. Watch out for him as he accelerates toward his goals.
5. Boxgirls Kenya: Empowering Women in and out of the Ring.
Our fifth and most recent Tujiamini Gold winner is Boxgirls Kenya, a community-led organization that empowers young women through boxing. Boxgirls Kenya not only trains women in the sport but also offers mentorship and education to build their confidence and life skills. Thanks to Tujiamini’s support, Boxgirls will be able to expand its reach, bringing more women into the ring and continue changing lives through sports. The organization's work goes beyond boxing; it’s about creating leaders who will shape Kenya's future, while also enabling young women to pack a serious punch.
Celebrating Six Months of Tujiamini by SportPesa
As Tujiamini marks its sixth month, the initiative has already made a significant impact across Kenya. With over 400 individuals awarded cash prizes, and more receiving life-changing resources, Tujiamini by SportPesa is proving that sports can transform communities. These five gold winners represent just the beginning of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Keep following Tujiamini's journey as we continue to discover and support the next generation of Kenyan sports stars.