By FKF Kakamega | August 2026
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5 Western Region Finals delivered an exciting weekend of youth football as the best boys’ and girls’ teams from Western Kenya battled for regional honours and a place at the national finals.
The tournament brought together representatives from Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia, with the competition showcasing some of the region’s most promising young footballers.
At the conclusion of the finals, Vihiga Cranes were crowned boys’ champions, while Lugari Progressive emerged victorious in the girls’ competition.
Vihiga Cranes Claim Boys’ Crown
Vihiga Cranes secured the Western Region boys’ title after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Musokoto Secondary School in the final.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Tonny Omondi rose to head home from a Luke Ramsey corner, giving Vihiga Cranes the lead.
Musokoto pushed for an equaliser but the Vihiga side held firm to secure the regional championship and qualification to the national finals.
Boys’ Awards
- Champions: Vihiga Cranes
- Runners-up: Musokoto Secondary School
- MVP: Elvis Ogiro – Musokoto Secondary School
- Golden Glove: Nabo Ochieng – Musokoto Secondary School
- Top Scorers: Mellon Omondi, Tonny Omondi, Rom Okitwi, Frankline Paul and Calvin Masai
Lugari Progressive Win Girls’ Championship
The girls’ final produced a tense contest between Lugari Progressive and Chakol Queens, with neither side able to break the deadlock during normal play.
After a 0–0 draw, the championship was decided through a penalty shootout.
Lugari Progressive held their nerve to win 5–4 on penalties, securing the Western Region girls’ crown.
The victory capped an impressive campaign for the side and booked their place at the national finals.
Girls’ Awards
- Champions: Lugari Progressive
- Runners-up: Chakol Queens
- MVP: Hanifa Mashasha – Chakol Queens
- Golden Glove: Shamsy Pachanga – Lugari Progressive
- Top Scorers: Hanifa Mashasha, Lydia Laura, Ziporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir
Kakamega Representatives Make Their Mark
Kakamega County was strongly represented at the Western Region Finals, with Green Buffaloes flying the flag in the boys’ competition and Lugari Progressive (Arch Bishop Njenga Girls) representing the county in the girls’ competition.
Green Buffaloes
Green Buffaloes earned their place at the Western Region Finals after a strong campaign at the Kakamega County level.
The team faced Musokoto Secondary School in the Western Region boys’ semi-final, where they suffered a 3–0 defeat.
Despite the result, reaching the regional semi-finals represents an important achievement for Green Buffaloes and underlines the depth of youth football talent emerging from Kakamega.
The experience will also provide valuable lessons for the young players as they continue their development and compete for future honours.
Lugari Progressive – Arch Bishop Njenga Girls
In The Lugari Progressive Galleries
Kakamega’s girls’ representatives, Lugari Progressive (Arch Bishop Njenga Girls), produced an outstanding run to the Western Region title.
The team began the knockout stage with an emphatic 4–0 semi-final victory over Elgon Queens.
The goals came from Lydia Laura, Ziporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir, setting up a regional final against Chakol Queens.
In the championship match, Lugari Progressive battled to a 0–0 draw before showing composure in the penalty shootout to win 5–4 and lift the Western Region trophy.
The victory is a major achievement for Kakamega football and highlights the growing strength of girls’ football within the county.
A Proud Moment for Kakamega Football
The performances of Green Buffaloes and Lugari Progressive demonstrate the depth of football talent within Kakamega County.
While Green Buffaloes’ journey ended in the regional semi-finals, their run provided valuable competitive experience for the young squad. For Lugari Progressive, the campaign culminated in regional glory and qualification for the national finals.
The success of the teams also reflects the important role played by schools, academies, coaches, county football structures and communities in nurturing young footballers.
FKF Kakamega’s Commitment to Youth Development
The Western Region Finals once again highlighted the importance of structured youth competitions in identifying and developing the next generation of Kenyan footballers.
Kakamega continues to play a significant role in the development of football talent in Western Kenya, and the progress of teams such as Green Buffaloes and Lugari Progressive (Arch Bishop Njenga Girls) is a positive indicator of the county’s footballing potential.
FKF Kakamega congratulates all the participating teams, players, coaches, officials and supporters who contributed to a successful Chapa Dimba campaign.
Special congratulations go to Lugari Progressive on winning the girls’ Western Region title and to all Kakamega representatives for proudly representing the county.
What Next?
With the Western Region competition concluded, Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive will now proceed to the Chapa Dimba national finals, where they will represent the region against the best teams from across Kenya.
For Kakamega, the focus now turns to building on the experience gained by Green Buffaloes and celebrating the continued rise of girls’ football through the success of Lugari Progressive.
Kakamega football continues to grow. The future is bright.
The event at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma was graced by Governors Kenneth Lusaka and his Vihiga counterpart, Mr. Wilber Otichilo, who both expressed their commitment to fostering unity and development within their regions.
This gathering, which attracted a diverse crowd of enthusiastic participants, showcased a variety of local talents, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the area. In attendance, Safaricom PLC, represented by the dedicated Ms. Gunilla Ouko, regional manager for the Western Region, took the opportunity to engage with the community, sharing insights on technological advancements and their potential to drive economic growth in the region. This collaborative effort between local leadership and corporate partners set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In The Galleries
