Whispers Champions join waste pickers to tackle plastic pollution through football

KENYA – Whispers Champions Youth Initiative, in partnership with the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, has organized a tournament to help tackle plastic waste in Nairobi, Kenya.

Dubbed ‘the Plastics Champions League and Clean Up Tournament 2025’, it is set for 18–20 October 2025 at the Salama Sports Complex in Kibra.

The tournament aims to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked role of waste pickers in Nairobi’s recycling ecosystem, while mobilizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change.

Plastic waste remains one of Nairobi’s most urgent challenges. According to UNEP, the city generates more than 2,400 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics forming a major share.

Poor waste management has left informal settlements like Kibra struggling with clogged drains, flooding, and health risks.

Waste pickers, who form the backbone of recycling, remain stigmatized despite their crucial environmental role.

The Plastics Champions League stands out for its innovative registration model: football teams must contribute 50 kilograms of sorted plastic waste instead of cash entry fees.

This not only drives clean-ups across Kibra but also demonstrates how sport can foster a circular economy.

Inclusivity is at the heart of the event. Women will play alongside men, all referees will be female, and persons with disabilities will actively participate.

Off the field, exhibitions by recycling innovators, waste picker groups, and green startups will provide a platform for collaboration and solutions.

Organizers expect to divert at least five tons of plastic waste, plant 100+ trees, and engage over 300 youth during the tournament.

“This is more than a football tournament – it’s a movement for environmental justice and youth empowerment,” said Vincent Majoni, coordinator of Whispers Champions Youth Initiative.

Beyond immediate impact, the event aims to build lasting partnerships between communities, schools, and businesses to advance climate justice.

With global attention on climate change intensifying, the tournament positions Kibra as a model for grassroots-led action.

As the countdown begins, organizers are calling on sponsors, climate allies, and knowledge partners to join in “kicking plastic out of Kibra” and ensuring the community scores a win for both people and the planet.

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