Kenyan international footballer Michael Olunga has made a major investment in the future of local sports through the creation of a world-class football academy designed to nurture young talent. The facility, dubbed the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), is near completion and promises to be a game-changer in how footballers are trained and developed in Kenya.
The idea for MOFA began as a personal dream and is now fast becoming a reality. Olunga, who recently returned to Kenya after exiting Al Duhail, gave a guided tour of the impressive sports complex, which boasts modern training equipment and facilities that rival some of the best around the world. His goal is clear: to give the next generation of players access to opportunities he never had while growing up.
Inside the facility, the gym is fitted with state-of-the-art machines including treadmills, exercise bikes, and a full range of weights. It’s a professional setup intended to prepare young athletes for the physical demands of elite-level competition. Olunga stressed the importance of early access to quality training facilities, something he feels many talented players in Kenya have missed out on for far too long.
The academy is built on a five-acre parcel of land and is equipped with tight security measures. A perimeter wall with electric fencing and razor wire surrounds the property, ensuring the safety of all who use it. The grounds are also monitored by CCTV, and security has been highlighted as a top priority.
On the training side, MOFA includes an eleven-a-side pitch and two seven-a-side pitches, all of which are built to professional standards. A pop-up sprinkler system and an advanced drainage setup have been installed, complete with underground piping. This infrastructure is meant to ensure the fields remain in excellent condition year-round — a significant improvement considering the often poor state of public playing surfaces in the country.
Water sustainability has also been considered in the design of the facility. A borehole is being drilled to provide a steady water supply, and plans are in place to install an underground tank with a capacity of 500,000 litres. This will guarantee a reliable source of water for maintaining the grounds and supporting daily operations.
Beyond football, the academy also caters to other sports. A basketball court and a paddle tennis court are part of the facility, encouraging diverse athletic development and physical literacy among the youth.
The reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Olunga for setting a new benchmark for sports development in Kenya. His efforts are being seen as a true act of giving back — not just in word, but in impactful action.
In addition to his sports ambitions, Olunga also leads a well-rounded life. He owns a lavish home in Homa Bay County, nestled in a peaceful environment with scenic landscaping and modern features. The home is surrounded by a stylish perimeter wall, electric gate, and a beautifully designed driveway lined with flowers and greenery. Off the pitch, he enjoys farming and tends to his crops of maize and beans, effortlessly blending his passion for agriculture with a lifestyle of excellence.
Through MOFA, Michael Olunga is not just building a sports facility — he is laying a foundation for dreams to take root and thrive.
