laikipia and beyond unity cup - zeitz foundation luc report... · 2013-11-15 · favourable media...

www.zeitzfoundation.org

Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup 2010:

Final Report

Zeitz Foundation: August 2010

http://www.zeitzfoundation.org/


SUMMARY:The following provides some highlights of the inaugural LUC:

1. 32 football teams competed in hundreds of football matches in remote rural locations throughout the district during 5 separate ‘3 day’ weekends and were also involved in a variety of peace, environmental and health activities.

2. Thousands supported their local teams as well as participating in the unifying spirit of the 2010 World Cup through giant screens showing live matches.

3. All ethnic groups present within Laikipia participated in the events in their thousands, either as spectators, contributors or players.

4. Most major institutions in the district - including commercial ranchers, local government, politicians and line ministries, BATUK, Kenya Air force, Nanyuki District Hospital, Universities – participated in and actively supported events.

5. Thousands of people participated in environmental education sessions and activities, ranging from tree planting, town ‘clean up’s’ to water conservation activities and predator proofing.

6. Over 12,000 people received free medical treatment, primarily women and children.7. Permanent football pitches and other sports facilities have been provided to four schools

where no facilities existed before. 8. Throughout the whole event there was not a single disruptive incident either on or off the

field, despite almost a thousand young men and women being brought together and living in close proximity, with thousands of their supporters attending. The behaviour and spirit shown by all teams was exemplary and a credit to the communities and institutions they represent.

9. Favourable media coverage highlighting environmental conservation, peace and unity was generated in local and international media and on social networking sites.

10. Tourism in Laikipia was promoted, providing a vital boost to the local economy.

1. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Laikipia District in Kenya is a microcosm of Kenyan society with a multitude of people from different ethnic groups, social and economic backgrounds. It has a varying environmental makeup with Mt Kenya in the east, the Aberdares to the South-west, an abundance of wildlife in private conservancies, large agricultural business to small scale subsistence farming and as a result has extremes of wealth and poverty. Historically, it has also been the scene of violent conflicts between different pastoral groups clashing over scarce water resources and access to lands. These clashes were amplified as a result of increased pressure on natural resources arising from the recent 3 year drought in the region.

The Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup (LUC) aims to create unity, peace and understanding amongst the diverse communities of Laikipia, whilst raising awareness of environmental issues. The LUC is the first event of its kind in Laikipia, involving the active collaboration of multiple agencies/institutions/individuals in its implementation; encompassing multiple events taking place over a two month time period in 5 different locations throughout Laikipia (see annex 1); and with upwards of 20,000 Laikipians participating in events. Feedback on this inaugural year’s event indicates that it was extremely successful in meeting its goals and there is now huge popular demand that this becomes a regular event.

The three main objectives of the inaugural edition of the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup were:

1. To promote unity and understanding amongst diverse groups within Laikipia and beyond contributing to peace building efforts conservation and local development

Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup 2010 Report



2. To raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues amongst Kenyan youth and the contribution to conservation made by Laikipia 3. To contribute to the local economy by promoting Laikipia as a tourist destination

2. LAIKIPIA UNITY CUP OUTCOMES: The Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup sought to utilise the unifying power of sport - football - as a means to bring together in a constructive spirit of peace and harmony, the diverse people within Laikipia (ethnic, class, gender and age) and utilise this constructive engagement as a platform on which to build environmental awareness and understanding and deliver health care to the marginalised communities of Laikipia. The events were timed to coincide with the World Cup 2010 in South Africa to ensure that the enthusiasm and spirit of this global event was brought to bear in Laikipia.

Planning, implementation and financing involved a collaborative group of agencies and institutions all of whom brought different skills and strengths and without any one of which the events would not have been so successful. The main organising and implementing agencies were Zeitz Foundation, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Safaricom, BATUK, the Nanyuki District Hospital, the South African High Commission, UNEP and Mathare Youth Sports Association. All local MPs provided representational support (Hons, Kiunjuri, Muriithi, Ole Kaparo and Muriuki); commercial ranchers and farmers, local chiefs and members of the provincial administration, schools and government ministries were all actively involved in implementation in their respective areas.

Additionally national and international agencies provided support financially, promotionally and through personal representation, including the Nairobi based Embassies of South Africa, UK, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil.

The result of this collaborative and participatory approach was to ensure that thousands from every ethnic group and every corner of the district were brought together in peace and unity and were able to participate in environmental education and health related activities. This will have long term benefits as it has strengthened existing and created new relationships and networks that will pay dividends for Laikipia far into the future.

2.1 Football Component: The LUC regional tournaments took place in the four administrative units that LWF identifies:

Central Unit, 11-13 June at Nyakio Primary School, Lamuria, Western Unit, 18-20 June at Sosian Centre, Uaso Nyiro Unit, 2-4 July at Kimanju Primary School,Eastern Unit, 9-11 July at North Kenya Polo Grounds, Kisima.

A total of 32 invited football teams took part in the 4 regional tournaments, 8 teams per unit. These ranged from existing teams from conservancies, local businesses and specific villages/areas, to newly formed teams representing specific ethnic communities, local government departments or groups representing local natural resource user institutions. Teams were selected by local committees established by the LWF units.

Laikipia East MP, Hon. Kiunjuri (right) and Hon. Kabando wa Kabando Ass, Minster for Sports attended the eastern LUC at Nyakio primary School



At each regional event, the teams were divided into 2 pools with each team playing up to 3 matches. The winners of the regional events were: Central Unit - Nanyuki Combined.Western Unit - Suyian.Uaso Nyiro Unit - Mpala.Eastern Unit - Kisima.

The best players from these 8 teams were picked to form a combined team to represent the region at the finals, the ‘regional composite team’. This regional team also played an exhibition match with the visiting MYSA team as a ‘finale’ for each regional event. The selection of composite teams served a dual purpose; firstly to ensure that each region was represented by the strongest players drawn from every team within the region, and secondly; it ensured that people who had formally

been strangers - many of whom were from communities that had been in violent conflict - were brought together with the common interest of representing their region as one. The effect of this was summed up succinctly in the following words by a team member from Western Unit to an international journalist:

‘last year this man was my enemy and we fought, this year he is my brother and we are fighting together to win

the Cup for our region”

The 4 regional combined teams were Central Rhinos, Northern Elephants, Uaso Lions, Eastern Grevy’s.

The final was held after the World Cup on the 20th and 21st July 2010, at the Nanyuki Municipal Stadium. The presence and active involvement of Samuel Eto’o - an eloquent advocate for both environmental and peace issues both on and off the pitch - was a great additional draw with people attending from throughout the district in their thousands. The 4 teams played in a ‘round robin’ tournament. After beating the Northern Elephants in a dramatic finale that went all the way to penalties, the winners of the first Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup were ….the Central Rhinos.

Following the finals, the best players from the four regional teams were selected to form ‘Laikipia United’. Laikipia United, joined by Eto’o, then played against Kenyan Premier League club (and the countries most popular team) Mathare United. The presence of Mathare United and the match between them and Laikipia United also proved to be hugely popular, providing an additional boost to Laikipia and the players. The exhibition match between Mathare United and Laikipia United, as well as the penalty goal shoot-out, both proved extremely popular and engaging events.

LUC Eastern Unit teams march in for the start of the competition



The attendance, active involvement and support of international dignitaries - such as the Executive Director of UNEP and South African and UK High Commissioners and Brazilian Charge d'Affaires– as well as the Hon Muriithi and Kiunjuri ensured that the messages and significance of the events were given added weight and attention both in Laikipia and throughout the country. The finals and the press conference that followed these – and at which the themes of peace, unity and environmental conservation were focused upon - were given exposure by all major national news outlets, print, radio and electronic, as well as Reuters and AFP.

All events surrounding the LUC were open and free to all members of the public, ensuring that thousands of people were able to attend and support their local teams.

A significant additional attraction was the showing of live World Cup matches on a giant screen at all the regional events, bringing the excitement and spirit of the world cup to areas where the lack of electricity and basic modern forms of communication, e.g. lack of TVs, would normally rule out people being able to see these events.

Ethnicity, age and gender were not a factor as people in the LUC Western region united in celebrations in to see their team lift the Regional Cup

Jochen Zeitz, Zeitz Foundation founder (left) and Samuel Eto’o, LUC Patron (right) present the Laikipia and Beyond Unity Cup to William Muhinja, Captain of the Central Rhinos (centre)



2.2 Environmental Component: LWF, in collaboration with UNEP and the LWF Unit Directors, identified in each location the specific environmental problems acute in each. This ensured that at each regional event, the most

pressing environmental issue was focused upon, resulting in a broad range of site-specific environmental activities being undertaken. For example, in Uaso Nyiru there was a strong emphasis on predator problems, leading to training in building of Predator Proof boma’s and training from the Laikipia Predator Project; whilst, in contrast, the environmental events in Eastern focused upon sustainable water management.

Anthony King from LWF gave a presentation and general discussion on water conservation at the beginning of each environmental session, this involved all the players and gave them the opportunity to ask questions and made it a very informative and interactive debate.

Over 500 indigenous trees (donated by LWF) were planted in and around the different regional tournament locations and thousands of people took part in many different environmental activities, ranging from local clean ups, to lectures on conservation agriculture and sustainable water management, replanting a community water catchment area, through to the construction of predator proof boma's, to mention just a few. Additionally, the talented youth of MYSA provided environmental education to schoolchildren through participatory and ‘fun’ methods such as quizzes, songs and games.

The Green Pledge, "The Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious water, land, forests and wildlife. I am proud to pledge that I will unite with others throughout Laikipia and that I will give a red card to environmental destruction and defend our natural heritage,” was taken by all participants and signed up to by all team captains, with Samuel Eto’o leading the way and signing up to the pledge.

The visiting MYSA teams held football and environmental clinics for school children. This was for both girls and boys and involved small competitions and games. All MYSA teams consisted of a significant number of girls, providing an important example for Laikipia. The MYSA teams (consisting of over 100 youngsters in total) were all taken on game drives to neighbouring conservancies, providing these urban based youth from underprivileged backgrounds a first opportunity to gain first hand exposure to wildlife and conservation in action.

Ole Naishu team planting trees as part of rehabilitation of water catchment, Eastern Unit

MYSA showing schoolchildren their warm up drill



The MYSA youth provided great ‘role models’ for the Laikipia youth to aspire to, demonstrating not only outstanding football talent but also team spirit, organisational skills and environmental knowledge. Strong links have now been developedbetween MYSA and local entities which provide future opportunities for capacity building.

2.3 Medical component:Over 12,000 people, mainly women and children, received free medical attention from the dedicated 20 person medical team (including doctors, nurses, counsellors, nutritionists etc) present at each camp. There was also a VCT (voluntary counselling and testing) unit and De-worming for all the people attending.

These medical teams also provided all teams with awareness raising lectures and interactive discussions on HIV/Aids and STDs as well as drug abuse and general health and wellbeing. Many players reported back that they found these sessions to be one of the most important components of the whole event, providing them with life saving information that they had never been exposed to before. The medical teams were from Nanyuki District Hospital and the Kenyan Air force, led by Dr George Mochama. Medicines were donated by the Diplomatic Spouses Association, Mac’s pharmacy, Gertrude’s Gardens Hospital and GSK. Relationships have been established between remote rural areas and urban based physicians that are already being capitalised upon outside the context of the LUC, eg. Nanyuki District Hospital staff had never undertaken rural clinics prior to the LUC but now they conducted 3 more since and plan to start doing this on a routine basis.

Medical personnel register patients at Uaso Unit (left) while hundreds line up for treatment at Kisima during the LUC Eastern Unit (right)

3. ORGANISATION

3.1 Organisers and their Roles:Events were organised by:Zeitz Foundation and Laikipia Wildlife Forum, in collaboration with and hosted by Laurie Sessions and Segera/Zeitz Foundation in Central Unit; Anne and Gilfrid Powys in Western Unit; John Elias in Uaso Nyiro Unit; and Micheal Dyer in Eastern Unit in their capacity as the respective LWF Unit Directors.LWF units and the CLO’s organised local teams, prepared pitches and camp grounds, identified and organised environmental activities, provided local level logistical support, transport and meat. Safaricom provided sponsorship of Ksh3, 500,000 officials t-shirts and corner flags and posts and provided Ksh50, 000 of free airtime (this was approximately 50% of total budget, 10% approx was provided by various other donors, including Charlie Geertz and Embassies; with ZF providing the balance).

MYSA showing schoolchildren their warm up drill



BATUK (British Army Training Unit Kenya) played a pivotal role providing the accommodation, dining and catering facilities and security for the regional LUC events and the final, as well as ‘trouble-shooting’ the many unforeseen hurdles. UNEP provided environmental materials for the school children, hats and tee-shirts as prizes, children’s goal posts, medals and the ‘green tips’ and ‘Green Pledge’. Yolanda Tavares Public Relations Company (hired by ZF) provided logistical and events management support, as well as preparing and managing the media schedule and activities.MYSA provided exhibition teams, provided ‘talent spotters’ and selected regional team players and provided environmental education and football training for children. Conservancies and Ranch owners in Laikipia donated meat and water as well as their time in organising teams and making sure that the pitches were ready for the tournaments(Annex 2 provides details).

Highlands Water donated over 1000 litres of water.Nairobi Projectors were hired to provide the big screen for the World Cup matches, environmental and health presentation and talks as well as the PA system for the regional events.The Diplomatic Spouses Association, MACs pharmacies and Gertrude Gardens Hospital all provided generous donations of medical drugs.

Thanks

Thank you to all who made the first event such a success:

Our Patron: Samuel Eto'oOur main sponsors: Safaricom

Our co-organisers: Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) in collaboration with, and hosted by Laurie Sessions and Segera/Zeitz Foundation in Central Unit; Anne and Gilfrid Powys in Western Unit; John Elias in Uaso Nyiro Unit; and Micheal Dyer in Eastern Unit in their capacity as the respective LWF Unit Directors.

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) The South African High Commission, Nanyuki District Hospital, Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) and Mathare United.

Thanks to our ‘special advisors’ Bob Monro, Sam Mwai and Alice Macaire and to the indefatigable Colour Sergeant Davy Smith and Lieutenant Colonel Rex Sartain (BATUK), who made potential ‘hurdles’ disappear, as well as to the Diplomatic missions based in Nairobi - British High Commission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Brazilian Embassy, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Mexican Embassy. Diplomatic Wives Association, Gertrudes Garden Hospital, MAC Pharmacy, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Kenya Air Force and to Charlie Geertz. Our gratitude to Highlands Water, DSTV, Laikipia Predator Project and all those who participated and made this event such a great success.



Annex's ANNEX 1. Map of Laikipia showing the four units and the hosts



Logistics and Implementation Matrix Activity Time frame Person (s) responsible

Prepare pitches in Central Unit BATUK/Host Prepare pitches in western Unit BATUK/Host Prepare pitches in Eastern unit BATUK/Host Prepare pitches in Uaso Unit BATUK/Host Prepare pitches at Segera for the final BATUK/Host

Set up accommodation, ablutions, kitchen and mess tents in western Unit

June 14-June 17 BATUK /Host /ZF

Set up accommodation, ablutions, kitchen and mess tents in Eastern unit

June 28 –July 1 BATUK/Host /ZF

Set up accommodation, ablutions, kitchen and mess tent s in Uaso Unit

July 5-8 BATUK /Host /ZF

Set up accommodation, ablutions, kitchen and mess tents at Segera for the final

July 19-22 BATUK /Host /ZF

Take bookings for paying guests Throughout /As need arises

All Unit hosts and LWF

Local coordination Identify local logistics coordinator and football ‘fundi’. April 20 Host/ZF Meals and catering Individual hosts and ZF on Segera Finalize week

before Hosts and ZF

Transport Transport to and from Unit tournaments Finalize 1 week before tournament

Hosts

Regional Composite teams July 19, 2010 Unit hosts /ZF Mathare teams MYSA and ZF

Football Identification of unit teams April 8 –April 17 4 regional RFO and Sports Officer Unit members

Registration of teams • Official team lists 18 players and 2 officials

April 30, 2010 RFOs /Sports Officer /ZF

Deadline for any changes to submitted unit team lists May 21, 2010 RFOs /Sports Officer /ZF Equipment delivery – balls, bibs, kit, goal posts May 21 –June 2 ZF and unit hosts Official team lists published June 2, 2010 ZF /Hosts/RFOs 1st Unit tournament June 11-13 Central Unit host – (Solio or Segera?) 2nd Unit tournament June 18-20 Western Unit host - Ann Powys 3rd Unit tournament July 2-4 Eastern Unit host – Michael Dyer 4 Unit tournament July 9-11 Uaso Unit host - John Elias LUC semi-final and final July 23-25 Zeitz Foundation

Environmental/conservation activities

Unit identifies activities relevant to their area 8th April -30th May

Unit host / LWF environmental education officer /LWF CLOs

Synopsis of the discussions /presentations on the environmental evening presentations received

June 2, LWF EEO / Zeitz Foundation coordinator

Logistics and Implementation Matrix

Unit identifies activities relevant to their area 8th April -30th May

Unit host / LWF environmental education officer /LWF CLOs

Synopsis of the discussions /presentations on the environmental evening presentations received

June 2, LWF EEO / Zeitz Foundation coordinator

Final programme of events on unit environmental /conservation activities developed - Central Unit

June 4 Host / CLO / Kenya Air force/UNEP

Final programme of events on unit environmental /conservation activities developed - Western unit

June 11 Host /CLO/ Kenya Air force/UNEP

Final programme of events on unit environmental /conservation activities developed - Eastern Unit

June 26 Host /CLO / Kenya Air force/UNEP

Final programme of events on unit environmental /conservation activities developed - Uaso Unit

July 2 Host / CLO / Kenya Air force/UNEP

Final programme of events on Segera Final environmental /conservation activities developed - Segera

Zeitz Foundation / UNEP / Kenya Air force/UNEP

Publicity and communication

Tournament posters April 30, ZF - YTPR Vernacular radio interviews May –June,

tournament weekends

ZF - YTPR

Safaricom on reload messages Tournament weekends

Safaricom

Hosting conservation and sports journalists Tournament weekends

Unit hosts/ YTPR

Newspaper /TV/radio slots Tournament weekends

ZF - YTPR

Community and tournament support medical camp

Set up a medical treatment and screening camp – Central Unit

June 7- June 10 Kenya Air Force

Set up a medical treatment and screening camp – Western Unit

June 14-June 17 Kenya Air Force

Set up a medical treatment and screening camp – Eastern Unit

June 28 –July 1 Kenya Air Force

Set up a medical treatment and screening camp – Uaso Unit

July 5-8 Kenya Air Force

Security Provide security Tournament duration

Hosts security teams, and Kenya Police

Social Events Big screen for watching World Cup soccer Tournament duration

Annex 2: Timings and Responsibilities



Annex 3: Logo, Poster and Leaflet



Annex 4: A Sample Weekend Programme



Annex 5: Player Indemnity Forms (in Swahili and English)

FOMU YA ILANI YA KUTOWAJIBIKA KISHERIA – LAIKIPIA UNITY CUP (Kombe la Umoja wa Laikipia)

MIMI JINA (LA MWISHO) LA KWANZA TAREHE YA KUWASILI TAREHE YA KUONDOKA

SANDUKU LA POSTA

UNAKOISHI

NAMBA YA KITAMBULISHO UMRI

HASARA AU KUHARIBIKA KWA MALI NA JERAHA AU KIFO WAKATI WA MECHI ZA KANDANDA- KIZUIZI CHA LAWAMA, UWEPO WA MADHARA NA ONDOLEO LA HAKI YA KUSHTAKI.

NINAKUBALI KWA UKAMILIFU KWAMBA KUSHIRIKI KAMA MEMBA WA TIMU YA KANDANDA (SOKA), KWA KUSHINDANA AU VINGINEVYO KATIKA MECHI ZOZOTE ZA KANDANDA ZINAZOHUSIANA NA LAIKIPIA UNITY CUP TOKEA TAREHE 11 -JUNI HADI TAREHE 21- JULAI- 2010, NINAWEZA KUPATA MADHARA YA MAJERAHA AU KUHARIBIKA KWA MALI. NINAKUBALI KWA UKAMILIFU KWAMBA KUNA UWEZEKANO WA KUPATA MAJERAHA, KIFO NA/ AU HASARA AU KUHARIBIKA KWA MALI TOKANA NA KUSHIRIKI KATIKA LAIKIPIA UNITY CUP. NINATAMBUA KUNA MADHARA YASIOWEZA KUEPUKIKA TOKANA NA KUSHIRIKI KWANGU KAMA ILIVYO, NA NINAKUBALI KWA NIABA YANGU BINAFSI, WANAONIWAKILISHA NA WALE WOTE WALIO CHINI YA UMRI WA MIAKA 18 KUWAEPUSHA ZEITZ FOUNDATION, LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM, MAAJENTI (WAKALA) WAO, WATUMISHI NA/ AU WASAMBAZAJI BIDHAA NA YEYOTE MWINGINE ALIYE NA JUKUMU LA MAANDALIZI YA HAFLA ZOZOTE ZINAZOHUSIANA NA LAIKIPIA UNITY CUP TOKANA NA SHUTUMA YOYOTE ILETWAYO NA MATOKEO YA MAJERUHI, AJALI, MADAI, HASARA NA KUPOTEA AU KUHARIBIKA KWA MALI YA MWENYEWE AMBAYO YAWEZA KUTOKEA KWA AJILI YA KUTOFANYA JAMBO FULANI IPASAVYO, NA VITENDO VILIVYOFANYWA KIMAKUSUDI AU BILA MAKINI AU KWA MAKOSA. NITAYAKUBALI MOJA KWA MOJA NA WAZIWAZI MADHARA YOYOTE NA YOTE MENGINE YATAKAYOJIRI KATIKA HAFLA ZOTE WAKATI WA KUSHIRIKI KWANGU NA KUTUPILIA MBALI HAKI ZOTE ZA KUPELEKA MASHTAKA KORTINI JUU YA ZEITZ FOUNDATION, LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM AU YEYOTE YULE KWA MINAJILI YA MAJERUHI, AJALI, MADAI, HASARA, LAWAMA AU UHARIBIFU.

ZAIDI YA HAYO NINAKUBALI KUTOTOA MADAI KUWA KIZUIZI HIKI CHA LAWAMA, UWEPO WA MADHARA NA ONDOLEO LA HAKI YA KUSHTAKI HAIWEZI KUTEKELEZWA.

NINATHIBITISHA KUWA NIMEUSOMA NA KUUELEWA UJUMBE HUU NA NIMETIA SAHIHI KWA HIARI YANGU BILA KULAZIMISHWA NA YEYOTE YULE.

TAREHE: ………………………………………..

SAHIHI: …………………………………..……


Awarded to

in recognition of outstanding contribution and participation.

Samuel Eto’o, Patron

Certificate of Participation

The Green Pledge“The Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious water, land, forests and wildlife. I am proud to pledge that I will unite with others throughout Laikipia and that I will give a red card

to environmental destruction and defend our natural heritage”.

laikipia and beyond unity cup - zeitz foundation luc report... · 2013-11-15 · favourable media...

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