The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) has launched a quarterly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and teams within the sporting ecosystem. This new initiative was marked by a visit to ailing former Harambee Stars tactician Tom Olaba, who is currently battling health challenges following spinal cord surgery.
SJAK President James Waindi emphasized that the association’s mission goes beyond just sports coverage. “We also purpose to consider our broader impact on stakeholders, including communities, players, coaches, and individuals who interact with scribes on the field,” he said.
During the visit to Olaba’s home in Nairobi, SJAK donated essential foodstuffs and household items worth Ksh 50,000 to help ease the burden on the veteran coach, who is confined to a wheelchair and struggling to meet daily physiotherapy costs. Olaba, who served as Harambee Stars head coach in 2006 and also had stints with AFC Leopards and Tanzania’s Ruvu Shooting Stars, requires daily physiotherapy sessions costing Ksh 3,000.
“I can’t move, but I still have feeling in my body. My doctors told me my spinal cord cracked, and a cage was inserted to support it,” Olaba explained. He attributed his injury to years of involvement in football, starting from a young age.
This marks SJAK’s second major CSR event after a 2018 collaboration with Bandari FC and LG to support a children’s home in Mtwapa. Coach Robert Matano, who previously deputized Olaba at Harambee Stars, urged corporates and well-wishers to follow SJAK’s lead in honoring sporting legends while they are still alive.
Waindi also appealed to sponsors and the public to support Olaba’s recovery journey. “We are using part of our sponsorship money to ensure this CSR program blossoms. But we need goodwill from others to make a bigger impact,” he said.
Grateful for the support, Olaba said the donation would help sustain his family’s basic needs and expressed hope for more assistance to resume intensive treatment.
The SJAK CSR initiative is set to continue on a quarterly basis, aiming to uplift sports figures in need across the country.
