THE STEPHEN JUMA FOUNDATION

Potential deserves a chance.

The Stephen Juma Foundation discovers, develops and showcases under-resourced youth talent across Kenya, beginning with Mixed Martial Arts.

Discover talent. Build discipline.

MMA training is the starting point for wider opportunity.

WHY WE EXIST

A pathway where there wasn’t one.

Young people can leave school because their families cannot afford fees or basic upkeep. Many have ability and ambition but lack coaching, facilities and a structured pathway into sport or work.

Our founding philosophy is to meet that potential with discipline, practical support and a platform to be seen. Sport is the starting point for a wider ambition spanning mentorship, education and community wellbeing.

OUR VISION

Where we want to go

To be Kenya's leading platform for discovering, developing, and showcasing youth talent through sport, redirecting the energy of a generation away from crime and substance abuse and towards discipline, achievement, and opportunity.

OUR MISSION

What guides our work

The Stephen Juma Foundation identifies, trains, and empowers talented but under-resourced youth, beginning with Mixed Martial Arts while delivering charitable outreach and building free, publicly accessible fitness infrastructure across Kenya's 47 counties. We aim to prove, county by county, that talent plus structure plus opportunity is a genuine alternative to crime, addiction, and despair.

Why is MMA the starting point?

MMA offers an individual sporting pathway with relatively modest facility and equipment needs. Its training demands work ethic, technique and conditioning: habits that can support life beyond sport. The Foundation has recruited 22 fighters who are undergoing training.

Explore MMA and athlete development →

Who founded the Foundation?

Stephen Juma · Founder and Chief Executive

Stephen Juma is responsible for strategic direction, fundraising and public representation. His leadership focuses on giving overlooked youth talent the structure and opportunity to develop.

How is governance being developed?

Stephen Juma leads the Foundation as Founder and Chief Executive. We are developing the governance and operational structure needed to support responsible growth.

  • Board of Directors: being constituted; intended to provide strategic oversight, financial governance and policy approval.
  • Advisory Board: being constituted, with guidance sought from sporting, sponsor and community backgrounds.
  • Proposed operational functions: Head Coach / Program Manager, Finance & Compliance Officer, and Marketing & Partnerships Lead.

Formalizing the Board and Advisory Board by Q1 2027 is a target. Partners are invited to discuss nominations of suitably qualified individuals.

Read our accountability commitments →

The 2026–2029 strategic roadmap

2026

Establish the public platform

Continue training 22 fighters and seek USD 50,000 for the inaugural December showcase.

2027

Build the foundation for growth

Target 60 active fighters, four showcases, outreach in 10 counties, three institutional sponsors and formalized governance. Work towards two pilot fitness parks, subject to land, funding and delivery agreements.

2028

Broaden talent pathways

Aim to introduce a second sporting or creative discipline.

2029

Pursue national reach

Aim for outreach across all 47 counties and a Creative & Sports Entrepreneurship Fund for graduating athletes.

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

A little more clarity

What does the Foundation do?

It currently trains 22 recruited MMA fighters. Its wider plan includes free fitness infrastructure, charitable outreach, education support, advocacy and partnerships.

Is the Board already in place?

The Board of Directors and Advisory Board are being constituted as part of our governance development.

LET’S BUILD SOMETHING THAT LASTS

Potential is everywhere.
Opportunity should be, too.

Bring your expertise, your organization or your support. Together, we can create more pathways for Kenya’s young people.

Explore partnerships ↗

Corporate CSR · In-kind support · Institutional collaboration