Our History
Evolving together
Highlight of our history, growth and key milestones.
From Passion for Football to Protecting the River
Mathare River FC began with a vision: that young people in Nairobi could play football and become stewards of the environment. We emerged from the “Football for Plastic” initiative, under the wider umbrella of the Mathare River Regeneration Network. Driven by the trash-filled waterways and polluted banks of the Mathare River, concerned community members, players, and environmental advocates came together to ensure that plastic waste no longer defines our river — or our neighborhoods. We are an environmentally conscious football team first and foremost.
Through Football for plastic league initiative, the network facilitated the collection of approximately 7.8 tonnes of plastic waste including milk packaging from the Mathare river and its surrounding since its inception.
Philosophy & Values
Environmental Regeneration: Every match, training session, and community event is also an opportunity to protect the Mathare River.
Community First: We are the people’s club. We build from the ground up, welcoming supporters, volunteers, and families.
Athletic Ambition: Although our roots are in activism and community, we believe in the power of football. We strive to compete, win, and grow so that our story can inspire beyond Nairobi.
We reimagine Mathare River as a thriving, self-sustaining Mathare River ecosystem — where clean water, green space and community pride flow together
Our Legacy & Connection to the Mathare River
We chose our name not just because the river flows through our communities — but because its condition reflects the condition of our environment and society.
A polluted river speaks of neglect; a clean river reflects health, responsibility, and hope. Every bottle, every piece of trash we gather, every young player we train is part of a mission: to see Mathare River regenerated, respected, and revived.
Our practices aim to restore what was lost: clean waterways, safer neighborhoods, active citizens, and a culture that prizes both athletic achievement and care for nature.
Milestones in Our Journey
Founding & Early Days: Starting with clean-ups, local pitches, and neighborhood ties, Mathare River FC transformed from a campaign into a club.
Growth and Local Recognition: As word spread, so did our following. Local sponsorships, supporters, and partners joined in: those who believe in both the beautiful game and a cleaner environment.
Environmental Leadership in Action
Beyond competing, Mathare River FC has stayed true to its origins. Every training, every matchday still involves environmental programs: cleanups, waste sorting, awareness-raising, advocacy.
Strengthening Community Bonds
The club has become a platform for local youth to play, to lead, to contribute—from retrieving garbage before kickoff to helping plan events. Our relationship with the community is not just supported by it; it is intertwined with it. Though our name is new in some ways, the ideals behind Mathare River FC draw from a strong local tradition.
We’ve grown our fanbase, engaged volunteers, built youth connections. The community’s connection with football, youth empowerment, and environment has long been nurtured in a place where sports are more than a pastime but also a way of life, a way out.
Envisioning the Mathare River Vison 2034 during the Mathare River FDB
Mathare River Future Design
One of our major milestone was the codesigning of the Mathare River Vision 2034 held during the Mathare River Future Design Basecamp held at Ndongoro Primary School in Kabete, Kiambu County which is the source of Mathare River. This was made possible by the collaborative work of Mathare River Regeneration Network, World Water Net and the Embassy of The Earth. The choice of the venue for the for day basecamp was due to the cleanliness of the river at the source where humans and nature co-exist harmoniously.
Our Vision Statement
We envision a revitalized Mathare River with a clean, thriving, and serene ecosystem as the foundation of social cohesion, cultural pride, and sustainability for Nairobi.
The restored Mathare River ecosystem drives economic growth and fosters tourism, recreation, and business opportunities while providing clean, affordable water for all. Emerging from inclusive collaboration and rooted in indigenous knowledge, the revitalized river flourishes through vibrant biodiversity, resilient infrastructure, and native vegetation.
The Mathare River is a pathway to wellbeing, enhancing quality of life and the dignity of the people.
Our main goal is to replicate that all along the Mathare River, from the source to its confluence with Nairobi River in Luckysummer, Nairobi City County.