Webuye, Bungoma County, is abuzz following the official launch and draw for the sixth edition of the Waziri 1xCup, a regional football tournament poised to significantly impact grassroots sports and community development in Western Kenya. The event, held on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, at Glamour Hotel in Webuye, brought together local leaders, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) representatives, media, and football enthusiasts, signalling a renewed focus on nurturing talent from the ground up.

Organisers outlined the season's priorities, which include ensuring high-quality match organisation, actively supporting women's teams, creating opportunities for young players, and continuing social initiatives integrated with football. Elena Zhdanova, a representative for title partner 1xBet, emphasised the company's commitment to fostering systemic change within the sports ecosystem.

Historical and Political Context

The Waziri 1xCup, which began as a modest community gathering, has evolved into one of Kenya's most structured regional competitions. It has a track record of producing players who have advanced to top-tier clubs and even the national team, such as Collins Sichenje and Manzur Okwaro. This year's expanded tournament will span four counties: Bungoma (Webuye), Trans Nzoia (Kitale), Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), culminating in a grand finale in Webuye.

The tournament's growth aligns with Kenya's broader Vision 2030 goals, which include promoting sports development as a source of youth employment and establishing a National Lottery Scheme to fund local sporting leagues. While the government has expressed a commitment to sports, the sector has faced fluctuating funding. The 2025/26 Financial Year Budget allocated KSh 29.7 billion to the sports, culture, recreation, and tourism sector, with KSh 13.5 billion going to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund. However, this marked a KSh 3 billion reduction from the previous year's allocation to the fund.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Sports Act 2013 underpins sports governance in Kenya. The Office of the Sports Registrar received KSh 2.3 billion in the 2025/26 budget to establish an automation and digitisation system, aiming to streamline registration processes and ensure compliance among sports federations. This move is expected to enhance transparency and accountability within the sporting sector, a critical aspect for grassroots initiatives like the Waziri 1xCup.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Salim Waziri, the tournament's founder, highlighted that the Waziri 1xCup is more than just a sports event; it is a movement focused on creating opportunities and inspiring hope. Elena Zhdanova of 1xBet reiterated their support for initiatives that strengthen communities through education, safety, and access to sports for both men and women. The involvement of local leaders and FKF representatives at the launch underscores the collaborative effort to foster sports development at the regional level.

Evidence and Data

• Tournament Reach: The 6th edition of the Waziri 1xCup will involve 64 teams across football (men and women), basketball, and rugby.
• Geographic Scope: The tournament will be held in Bungoma (Webuye), Trans Nzoia (Kitale), Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu (Eldoret) counties.
• Government Sports Funding (FY 2025/26): The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund received KSh 13.5 billion, a decrease from KSh 16.5 billion in the previous financial year.
• Sports Registrar Digitisation: KSh 2.3 billion allocated for automating and digitising the Office of the Sports Registrar.

Risks and Implications

While grassroots tournaments like the Waziri 1xCup offer significant benefits, the reduction in the national Sports Fund allocation raises concerns about potential delays in stadium renovations and broader talent development efforts across Kenya. However, private sector partnerships, exemplified by 1xBet's involvement, play a crucial role in bridging funding gaps and ensuring the continuity of such initiatives.

The economic impact of sports events on local economies is well-documented, attracting visitors and boosting sectors like hospitality, retail, and transportation. Such tournaments can also promote social cohesion, empower youth, and challenge gender stereotypes. However, challenges such as economic costs, traffic problems, and security risks must be managed effectively.

Unknowns and Controversies

The full match schedule and group allocations for the Waziri 1xCup are yet to be released, though organisers have assured a transparent draw process with equal conditions and clear group formation criteria. The specific details of the expanded social activities, youth mentorship, and business empowerment projects for this season are also anticipated.

Timeline and Next Steps

A roadshow on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, preceded the official launch, building momentum in Webuye's commercial areas. The Bungoma County qualifiers are scheduled to kick off on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, 2025, at Webuye DEB Grounds. Subsequent matches will take place in Kakamega on November 4-5, and Eldoret on November 18-19, with the grand finale slated for December 27, 2025, at Pan-Paper Ilala Stadium in Webuye.

What to Watch

The successful execution of the Waziri 1xCup will be a key indicator of the potential for private-public partnerships in driving sports development in Kenya. Observers will be keen to see how the tournament's expanded social initiatives translate into tangible benefits for local communities and how it contributes to the national agenda of nurturing sporting talent and promoting youth empowerment.