Africa-Press – Kenya. Corporate organisations in Laikipia and across the Mt. Kenya region are rallying behind youth empowerment through sport, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-impact weekend of badminton, mentorship and community engagement in Nanyuki town.
The Boom & Thrive Badminton Tournament 2026, scheduled for February 28 and March 1, is bringing together business leaders, community stakeholders and young athletes under one roof in a show of collective commitment to structured youth development.
Framed as a non-profit Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the tournament blends competitive sport with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Edward Muchiri Mburu, one of the organisers who spoke on behalf of the Boom & Thrive Badminton CSR Initiative, described the tournament as a movement rather than a one-off event.
“Our badminton initiative is more than a tournament. It is a movement. Through this platform, we are bringing together friends, suppliers, business partners and clients who believe in youth development, discipline, health and community impact.”
About 80 players from different counties are expected to participate, making it one of the most diverse youth badminton gatherings in the region this year.
Participants will not only battle it out on the court but also connect, learn and build relationships that extend beyond the tournament.
The initiative has attracted strong private sector backing, reflecting growing confidence in sport as a vehicle for social change.
Leading sponsors include Woodchem Traders Limited and Mazingira Recyclers Limited, alongside a growing network of local enterprises committed to supporting youth-focused programmes.
He noted that sport remains a powerful tool for nurturing talent, building confidence and instilling teamwork among young people.
“This is an opportunity to align your brand with purpose. Your support goes directly towards organising quality tournaments, providing equipment, awarding trophies and medals, and creating a professional and inspiring experience for participants,” Mburu said.
“When you partner with us, you are not just sponsoring a game. You are investing in people, visibility, goodwill and long-term community impact. Let’s grow together. Let’s build together. Let’s thrive together.”
He reiterated that the tournament has been deliberately structured as a mentorship and leadership platform.
Community leaders and business executives are expected as spectators and mentors, engaging directly with participants and sharing insights drawn from their professional journeys.
Key focus areas include youth mentorship and character development, leadership and teamwork, talent identification and exposure in both sport and academics, healthy lifestyles and positive social engagement, as well as business and community networking.
The event is also expected to generate economic activity in Nanyuki as teams, supporters and partners converge for the two-day tournament.
The initiative comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a major concern across the Mt. Kenya region.
Like many parts of the country, counties such as Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Murang’a continue to grapple with limited formal job opportunities for young people, particularly school leavers and graduates.
Many youths rely on informal work, seasonal agriculture or small businesses that are vulnerable to economic fluctuations and climate-related shocks.
Closely linked to joblessness is the persistent challenge of alcohol and drug abuse. Reports by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) have repeatedly flagged central Kenya as one of the regions affected by high consumption of illicit brews and other substances among young people.
Local leaders and clergy in the region have in recent years raised alarm over rising cases of youth addiction, which they say undermines productivity, fuels petty crime and heightens incidences of suicides while straining families.
“By positioning badminton as more than just a sport, the Boom & Thrive initiative seeks to create an ecosystem where corporate goodwill translates into tangible youth opportunities,” Muchiri noted.
