The Darajani Academy
Elite Centre of Excellence for Youth Football Development, Fully Managed by Lerato Foundation
Explore Academy →
Elite Centre of Excellence for Youth Football Development, Fully Managed by Lerato Foundation
Explore Academy →
Executive Director
"At Darajani Academy, we are driven by a singular mission: to provide Kenya’s youth with an environment where world-class football training and holistic education come together seamlessly. Our commitment is to shape athletes who are not only technically gifted but also disciplined, visionary, and prepared to lead both on and off the pitch."
Founded under the guidance of the Lerato Foundation, Darajani Academy is Kenya’s premier youth football academy. Here, talent is nurtured in a fully-supported, professional environment where every athlete receives top-tier coaching, academic support, mentorship, and life skills training. We aim to create leaders of character who excel in football and in life.
We believe football is more than a game—it is a tool to teach discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Through rigorous training programs and structured education, our players develop the confidence, integrity, and determination needed to succeed in any endeavor.
Each year, our nationwide scouting program identifies exceptional young talent from across Kenya, ensuring that no gifted player is overlooked. Once selected, athletes benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, world-class coaching, and personalized development plans designed to unlock their full potential.
Darajani Academy has proudly partnered with over 55 international football academies worldwide. These partnerships offer our players exposure to global training standards, international competitions, and pathways to professional opportunities abroad. Many of our athletes have gone on to train, compete, and shine on international stages, transforming their lives and inspiring others.
Our vision is bold yet simple: to empower every young person who walks through our doors to reach their highest potential. At Darajani Academy, potential meets purpose, discipline shapes excellence, and dreams are turned into reality.
Simon Kyenze
Executive Director
The Darajani Academy is a high-performance youth football institution dedicated to holistic player development. Founded in 2020 in Makindu, Makueni County, and relocated to Nairobi in 2022, the Academy bridges raw talent with professional development. It integrates elite training, education, mentorship, and life skills within FIFA and FKF compliance standards.
To be Africa’s leading football academy, globally recognized for producing disciplined, educated, and high-performing players.
Identify, nurture, and develop young talent through elite training, education scholarships, mentorship, and strong governance, creating clear pathways to professional football and life success.
Head Coach
"Shaping champions with discipline, skill, and heart."
Admin Assistant
"Keeping the Academy running seamlessly behind every success."
Procurement Coordinator
"Ensuring top-quality resources for excellence on and off the field."
Physician Head
"Protecting players’ health so they perform at their very best."
Head Coach Natalia Onyango: "As we open the year 2026 at The Darajani Academy, we are excited to welcome our new signings. Following intensive scouting from November 2025 through January 2026, we have identified 30 talented young players to join in April and 15 more in May. All incoming players are aged 17–19 and bring fresh energy, dedication, and potential to our Academy."
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our founding fathers, the Lerato Foundation, for supporting us throughout this scouting and recruitment exercise. Their commitment ensures we continue building a professional, disciplined, and holistic environment for our youth."
"This year, our players will face the challenge and opportunity of participating in three international tournaments, which will demand hard work, discipline, and excellence both on and off the pitch."
"We also thank God as we transition to our new Academy campus in Kajiado County, just 40 minutes from Nairobi. This move allows us to access superior training facilities and create a world-class environment for our players."
"Looking forward, our 2026 roadmap focuses on not just player recruitment and tournaments, but also holistic development, mentorship, education, and leadership growth. We aim to produce not only elite athletes but responsible leaders who will excel in football and in life. Together, as a team and community, we will make 2026 a landmark year for The Darajani Academy."
Additional 15 young talents join, aged 17–19, strengthening our squad depth.
Transition to the new Academy campus in Kajiado, 40 minutes from Nairobi.
Participation in 3 international tournaments, enhancing exposure and performance.
Ongoing mentorship, academic support, leadership development, and individualized training.
Registered Players
Players aged 19–22
Players under 18
National Scouting Regions
Technical skill development, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and position-specific training aligned with international football standards.
Full scholarship support ensuring academic continuity, life skills, and career preparedness beyond football. Every player becomes a student-athlete with holistic growth.
Structured residential lifestyle, balanced nutrition, training facilities, mentorship, pastoral care, and leadership development create disciplined and responsible athletes.
Full compliance with FIFA & FKF regulations, safeguarding policies, ethical recruitment, and transparent management frameworks ensure institutional credibility and long-term sustainability.
Structured, merit-based national scouting, technical and character evaluation, parental engagement, and club consultation. Admission requires talent, discipline, and educational commitment.
Supported by Lerato Foundation, Eye of Hope, European Union, Agape in Action, and SABYA Group. Partnerships deliver high-quality training, scholarships, accommodation, and holistic development programs.
Darajani Academy established in Makindu, Makueni County, focused on structured youth football development.
Relocated to Nairobi to access superior facilities, exposure, and a competitive football ecosystem.
Expanded scouting network to cover 5 regions, admitted 143+ players, and launched full scholarship and education pathways.
Full FIFA & FKF compliance achieved, strategic partnerships strengthened, and Academy recognized as a benchmark for youth football development.
The Darajani Academy stands as a model for excellence in youth football development, combining elite training, education, governance, and welfare. Under Lerato Foundation’s leadership, we transform talent into opportunity, preparing Africa’s next generation of football leaders.