Grassroots sports play a key role in shaping the future of Kenyan athletics, and Nick Mararo, the CEO of Base Yetu and LipaLikes, has clearly shared this belief.
In a Facebook post, he recently explained that most successful athletes begin their journey in local communities, using simple facilities and learning the basics long before they reach big stages. His message focuses on the importance of giving young people a chance early, especially at the grassroots level where talent is first discovered.
Across the country, many children and youth play sports on dusty courts, open fields, and community grounds. These places may not look impressive, but they are where discipline, teamwork, and passion are built. Volleyball is one of the sports that has grown steadily in such settings.
Photo Courtesy/Nick Mararo (Facebook)
Schools and neighborhoods continue to embrace the game because it is easy to organize and brings people together. Base Yetu has positioned itself to support this growth by working directly within communities instead of waiting for talent to emerge on its own.
Base Yetu is a community-based sports organization that focuses on creating opportunities for young athletes. The group organizes tournaments and sporting events in volleyball, football, and pool.
Some of these activities are open to members at no cost, which helps remove financial barriers for participants.
Simple rewards such as medals are offered, but the real value lies in exposure, experience, and consistent competition. These events allow players to improve their skills and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
The organization also runs a competitive volleyball team known as Mt Kenya Base Yetu Volleyball Club.
Photo Courtesy) Nick Mararo (Facebook)
The team competes in the Kenya Volleyball Federation league and has earned its place in the men’s top division. This did not happen overnight.
The club started in lower divisions and gradually worked its way up through effort and steady improvement. In earlier seasons, including 2023, the team recorded positive results in Division 2, showing clear progress and potential.
Base Yetu has also hosted its own volleyball tournaments in local areas. One such event took place in Nyeri County at the King’ong’o maximum prison grounds, where the hosts emerged winners.
Hosting events in such locations reflects the group’s commitment to inclusion and community engagement. It shows that sports can reach different spaces and bring people together regardless of setting.
Like many developing teams, Base Yetu has faced challenges on the court. They have played against strong sides such as Rift Valley Prisons and experienced difficult losses.
However, these matches are part of growth.
By continuing to compete in the national league, including the current season that began in November, the team gains valuable experience and keeps improving. Their presence in the top league also sends a message that players from small towns and villages can reach high levels of competition.
LipaLikes works alongside Base Yetu by supporting sports activities, mainly through handling payments, rewards, and other financial needs linked to events.
This support helps ensure that tournaments and leagues run smoothly. As CEO of both organizations, Nick Mararo emphasizes the balance between skill, confidence, and opportunity. His leadership reflects a practical approach to sports development rather than empty promises.
Beyond competition, Base Yetu also promotes positive community values. During some events, the group organizes clean-up activities to encourage responsibility and care for shared spaces. These small actions help strengthen community ties and show that sports can have a wider impact beyond the game itself.
In focusing on grassroots sports, Base Yetu and LipaLikes help make sure young talent is seen, supported, and guided. Their work shows that with consistent effort and community support, athletes can grow from simple beginnings into disciplined competitors.
The future of Kenyan sports depends on such foundations being built and maintained at the local level.
