By Caroline Katana
A football initiative in Kenya’s Coast region is proving that sport can do more than develop athletic talent—it can also promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights.
The Swahili Coast Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Project is using football and other community activities to foster dialogue among people of different faiths while empowering young girls through sport. Operating in Kwale and Isiolo counties in Kenya, as well as Tanzania’s Tunduru District, the cross-border initiative seeks to strengthen social cohesion by promoting freedom of religion and belief.
Speaking during an engagement with Ukunda Vision Starlets Football Club, Swahili Coast FoRB Project Coordinator Emmanuel Pendo Kahaso said the initiative is founded on the belief that sports and community events provide an effective platform for advancing human rights.
“The project uses sporting and community events to spread the message that every person has the constitutional right to freedom of religion and belief. This right is protected under Article 32 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, and our goal is to build communities where people respect one another regardless of their faith,” he said.
Kahaso said the initiative brings together Muslim and Christian leaders, Kaya elders and community members to address religious discrimination, promote tolerance and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
As part of the programme, Ukunda Vision Starlets, a girls’ football team from Kwale County, has been selected to serve as youth ambassadors for the campaign. Through regional sporting exchanges in Tunduru and Isiolo, the players will promote messages of unity while showcasing their football talent beyond their local communities.
Ukunda Vision Starlets alongside Swahili Coast FoRB officials
He added that the project is supported by IS Denmark, the Church of Denmark (CKU) and FPFK, whose partnership has strengthened both community outreach and sports development.
Ukunda Vision Starlets captain Patience Kasichana welcomed the partnership, saying it has boosted the team’s morale and provided much-needed support, including playing kits.
She said girls’ football continues to face major challenges, including inadequate sporting facilities and limited financial resources, making support from development partners critical to the team’s growth.
“We are honoured to represent this initiative. Many young people would wish to receive such an opportunity, and we are determined to be good ambassadors and make our supporters proud,” Kasichana said.
Head coach Fredrick Wanyonyi said Kwale County has abundant football talent, but many gifted girls remain undiscovered because of limited scouting and investment in grassroots football.
“There is enormous talent in our villages. What has been missing is consistent scouting and investment. We appreciate organisations that have stepped forward to identify and nurture these girls so they can compete at higher levels,” he said.
Wanyonyi said the club, which competes in Kenya’s National Division One League, continues to struggle with transport costs, residential training camps and players’ welfare, including meals.
He appealed to government agencies, private companies and other stakeholders to invest in girls’ football, saying financial support would enable talented players to realise their full potential.
Beyond developing football skills, Wanyonyi said the initiative has strengthened unity within the team by bringing together Christian and Muslim players in an environment free from discrimination.
“Our players come from different religious backgrounds, yet they train, compete and support one another as one family. When we put God first and respect one another, success becomes possible,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the team’s future, Wanyonyi said the players have the talent and determination to compete at the highest levels, including in professional leagues abroad.
The Swahili Coast FoRB Project demonstrates how sport can serve as a powerful platform for promoting constitutional rights, empowering young women and building inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated rather than feared.
