World · Africa · 1 day ago
Football initiative aims to keep girls in school in Turkana
A community group called Desert Roses is using football to support girls in Turkana County, Kenya.
Its “Let the Girl Play” initiative aims to reduce early marriage and school dropout.
Some families marry young daughters for livestock, particularly during economic hardship or drought.
Desert Roses has set up a centre in Nataparkakono village, near Lodwar, to give girls a place to play and build confidence and leadership skills.
The group also held a women’s football cup in Lodwar, with five teams, including a team with girls from Kakuma’s refugee camp and host community.
Local leaders have urged girls to stay in school and said sport can help them develop skills and find opportunities.
The initiative’s organisers and supporters say they want girls’ talents to be nurtured through regular activities and tournaments.
Desert Roses is using football to help girls in Turkana stay in school and challenge early marriage.
Its “Let the Girl Play” initiative aims to address school dropout and harmful cultural practices through sport and education.
The organisation has established the Desert Roses Centre in Nataparkakono village, outside Lodwar, as a space for girls.
The inaugural Ata Nayeche Women’s Cup took place at Lodwar Prison Grounds, with Lodwar Girls winning the final 1-0.
Officials and supporters say sport can help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills and pursue education.
- Who
- Desert Roses, a community-based organisation, is leading the initiative for girls in Turkana.
- What
- Its “Let the Girl Play” initiative uses football and education to address early marriage and school dropout.
- When
- The Ata Nayeche Women’s Cup final was held on September 26, 2026. The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Nataparkakono village and Lodwar, in Turkana County, Kenya.
- Why
- The initiative aims to keep girls in school, challenge early marriage and harmful cultural practices, and create safe spaces for girls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
County Education executive Leah Lokala said she had been walking with Desert Roses.
Lodwar Girls High School beat KK Stars 1-0 in the final of the inaugural Ata Nayeche Women’s Cup.
Nation published its report on the football initiative.
- Initiative
- Let the Girl Play
- Organisation
- Desert Roses
- Centre location
- Nataparkakono village, on the outskirts of Lodwar
- Cup final
- September 26, 2026
- Final score
- Lodwar Girls High School 1-0 KK Stars
What people are saying
The initiative was to celebrate girls in Turkana who have embraced education and are championing equality and more positions in both civil service and political space, as well as discussing how to tackle existing gaps
Let's take adequate time in school, play as much as we can, have skills or a good certificate to build a good future and at the right time get married
Initiatives like this create safe spaces for girls to thrive, build leadership skills and pursue their dreams beyond the playing field
Sources
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