By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
In Summary
- The Meru Boxing Club mentors over 400 youth from slums in Meru County.
- The club has helped youth escape drugs, crime, and depression while developing discipline and life skills.
- Trainees have competed nationally and internationally, and some have secured employment through boxing.
When 20-year-old Erick Kinyua Gitonga walks into the boxing hall at Kinoru Stadium, he carries the weight of bullying, depression, and years of feeling left behind. Raised in Kooje slums, Erick says boxing has gaven him direction at a time when many young people in Meru are struggling to find purpose.
Meru County ranks third nationally in reported crime after Nairobi and Kiambu, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. High unemployment has left many youths vulnerable to drugs, crime, and, in extreme cases, suicide. In Imenti North, the Meru Boxing Club offers a structured alternative for young people seeking stability and hope.
Founded in 2004, the club has grown into a training and mentorship center for more than 400 youth. Under Coach George Odindo, boxing is used not just as a competitive sport but also as a tool for discipline and personal growth.
From the Streets to the Ring
Erick, a novice boxer, is preparing for his first amateur competition next year. He says that joining the club helped him regain confidence after academic struggles and mental health challenges.
“After high school, my grades were poor and people bullied me, which pushed me into depression. A friend introduced me to the Meru Boxing Club, where Coach Odindo encouraged me to focus on training. I am now preparing for my first amateur fight, and I urge young people to embrace this sport,” Erick says.
His story reflects the experiences of many trainees at the club.
Twenty-nine-year-old Aila Shige from Majengo slums, says that boxing helped him overcome years of depression and suicidal thoughts caused by unemployment after university. Through regular training and mentorship, he says he found discipline, purpose, and a supportive community.
The Power of Mentorship
At the centre of the initiative is Coach George Odindo, a former professional boxer and an officer with the Kenya Prisons Service. Since 2004, he has mentored hundreds of young people from various informal settlements.
“I have trained youths from slums like Majengo, Mjini, and Shauri Yako, some of whom reached the top ten internationally. My goal is to show that boxing is a path to discipline, opportunities, and a better life,” says Coach Odindo.
Mentorship at the club extends beyond physical training. Weekly sessions include life skills, guidance from former trainees, and discussions on education, employment, and decision-making. These efforts contribute to broader youth development goals, while advancing SDG 4 on quality Education.
Boxing as a Lifeline
For some trainees, boxing has marked a clear break from addiction.
The club’s top boxer, Reagan Odindo, joined in 2018 while struggling with drug abuse. He says that the sport transformed his life by instilling discipline and focus.
“Boxing has instilled discipline, helped me quit drugs, and kept me fit. I have also competed in various tournaments, including matches with top names like Nick Okoth,” Reagan explains.
Achievements and Challenges
Meru Boxing Club athletes have competed nationally and internationally, challenging stereotypes about talent from informal settlements. Reagan reached the semi-finals of the 75th National Open Boxing Championship in Nairobi, while other trainees, including Joselyn Mareh and Jacob Kimathi, have secured employment with the Kenya Police and Kenya Prisons Service.
“Boxing has helped our youths discover their potential. With guidance and support, they can compete nationally and internationally while building better lives,” says Coach Odindo.
Despite these achievements, the club faces serious challenges. Limited funding, inadequate equipment, and lack of proper facilities have reduced tournament participation and slowed growth.
County Response
Elias Murega, Meru County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Youth Affairs, and Social Development, says the county is committed to nurturing sports under Article 55(a) of the Kenyan Constitution.
“Meru County aims to become a sports tourism destination and is supporting emerging sports, including boxing. The county plans to provide a proper boxing ring and gradually increase support to engage youth, reduce substance abuse, and lower crime rates. As a county government, we are ready to support them,” Murega says.
Over to You
Community-based initiatives like the Meru Boxing Club are helping young people find purpose and opportunity, amid unemployment and crime. However, sustained support from the county government, private sector, and the public, is needed to expand these efforts and reach more youth.
