When Safaricom launched Chapa Dimba in 2017, the goal was simple yet visionary: to give Kenyan youth aged between 16 and 20 a platform to showcase their football talent, earn recognition, and open doors to bigger opportunities. Eight years later, the tournament has not only achieved that goal but also rewritten the story of grassroots football in Kenya, nurturing hundreds of players who have risen from dusty community pitches to professional clubs and national teams.

From the outset, Chapa Dimba set out to be more than just a football competition. It became a structured pathway for talent development, creating a direct link between untapped local potential and scouts from both local and international clubs. The program also empowered coaches, training more than 250 grassroots tacticians to better guide young players in their communities.

The inaugural 2017/18 edition introduced the country to Kapenguria Heroes, who lifted the national title after beating Gor Mahia Youth 3–0 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. The tournament unveiled David Majak, named Most Valuable Player while turning out for Kapenguria Heroes, who later signed for Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker FC before securing a move abroad. On the losing side, Gor Mahia Youth featured Chris Alpha Onyango, now one of the standout players for Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia following his breakout performances at CHAN 2024.

On the girls’ front, Plateau Queens of Nyakach captured the title, highlighting talents such as Judith Osimbo and Mercy Airo ; members of the 2018 Chapa Dimba na Safaricom-winning team, who later featured for the Harambee Starlets side that went unbeaten to claim the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Championship.

The 2019 edition confirmed that Chapa Dimba was no passing project. Manyatta United and Kitale Queens claimed the national crowns, while top performers like Jane Njeri and Cynthia Livondo earned selection to the Chapa Dimba All-Stars squad that toured Spain , a symbolic step reflecting how far Safaricom’s vision had reached.

Just as the tournament’s momentum was peaking, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing a three-year break. But when Chapa Dimba returned in 2023, it came back bigger, better, and bolder. The prize money doubled to Ksh. 20 million, with over 150 TVET scholarships introduced for exceptional players at county, regional, and national levels. Safaricom also announced that 32 players would be integrated into national team structures, while the All-Stars would once again travel to Spain for a 10-day elite training camp.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa captured the renewed spirit of the program, saying, “We are equally happy to announce that 32 young players from the tournament will be scouted to the national team and get an opportunity to visit Spain for a 10-day training boot camp. In this new season, courtesy of Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations, we shall also offer TVET educational scholarships to 150 players… We look forward to forging deeper connections with our customers and showcasing our commitment to transforming lives.”

The 2024 national finals in Kisumu provided yet another stirring chapter. The Mighty Obunga FC clinched the boys’ title after defeating Uasin Gishu’s PASC Langa 4–2 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw in regulation time. In the girls’ category, Nyanza region champions and inaugural season winners Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) reclaimed their crown in dominant fashion, beating Laikipia’s Barcelona Ladies SC 4–0 to secure their second national championship.

Both Obunga FC and Plateau Queens walked away with Ksh. 1 million each and TVET scholarships for every player, while runners-up PASC Langa FC and Barcelona Ladies SC pocketed Ksh .500,000 apiece. Each player, winners and runners-up alike, also received Neon Smartphones ,Kenya’s first locally assembled 4G device symbolizing the fusion of innovation and opportunity at the heart of the tournament.

Obunga’s midfield star Armstrong Omondi was named Most Valuable Player in the boys’ category, earning a subsequent call-up to Kenya’s national U-17 team. On the girls’ side, Velma Awuor of Plateau Queens claimed the MVP honor, continuing her impressive rise after representing Kenya in last year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup alongside Marion Serenge and other Chapa Dimba graduates.

In September 2025 , the All-Star team from the 2024 edition ,comprising the best 32 players from across the country travelled to Spain for a high-performance training camp. They played friendly matches against the development sides of SD Huesca and Zaragoza CFF, further demonstrating how far the Safaricom-powered dream can carry Kenya’s young footballers.

Beyond the trophies, however, the true success of Chapa Dimba lies in its impact stories ; none brighter than Benson Omalla’s. Once a promising teenager scouted through the tournament, Omalla has grown into one of Kenya’s most prolific forwards. He finished as the second-best scorer in the 2022–23 Kenyan Premier League, then topped the charts in 2023–24 with 19 goals, helping Gor Mahia clinch back-to-back league titles before sealing a move abroad. Today, Omalla plays for Visakha FC in Cambodia, carrying the Chapa Dimba dream to the international stage.

South Sudanese striker David Majak is another inspiring story. After being named MVP in the first edition for leading Kapenguria Heroes to the title, he joined Kakamega Homeboyz, then Tusker FC, where he won a league title before moving abroad to Swedish side Kalmar FF, later joining IFK Luleå.

On the the women’s side, Jentrix Shikangwa has become a mainstay at Simba Queens in Tanzania and played a key role for the Harambee Starlets during the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Championship, where she scored 12 goals and claimed the tournament’s top scorer award. She is now a regular with the national women’s soccer team, the Harambee Starlets. Meanwhile, Judith Osimbo and Elizabeth Livondo have also cemented their places in the national team.

Hundreds of others have progressed into FKF Premier League and Women’s Premier League sides, proving that the program’s impact extends far beyond the winners’ podium.

As Safaricom marks its 25th anniversary, Chapa Dimba stands tall as one of its most transformative community initiatives. It has redefined how Kenya identifies and develops football talent; bridging education, opportunity, and sport. More than a competition, it is a movement giving hope to thousands of young dreamers from Siaya to Kakamega, West Pokot to Garissa, Nyeri to Mombasa , proving that when passion meets opportunity, greatness follows.