Victor Wanyama has officially sparked excitement in Kenyan football circles after announcing that he is set to launch a new youth development project, Wanyama Football Academy.
Following his retirement in April 2016, the former Harambee Stars captain is launching the Wanyama Academy Nairobi, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at nurturing young talent.
The academy focuses on grassroots development for various age groups combining professional football training with education, featuring on-site dormitories and partnerships with international coaches
The midfielder shared a poster branded “Wanyama Academy – Coming Soon”, alongside a caption that read:
“Something special is coming. Wanyama Academy Nairobi is almost here — a new home for young talent, discipline, growth and future champions. Stay tuned, the journey begins soon.”
The brief announcement has already generated widespread anticipation among fans and young aspiring footballers, with many viewing it as a major step toward strengthening grassroots football development in Kenya.
While full details of the academy have not yet been officially unveiled, the message confirms that the project will be based in Nairobi and is aimed at nurturing young talent through structured training and mentorship.
Wanyama’s move into youth development is being seen as part of his transition from professional football into long-term investment in the sport at home.
The Wanyama Football Academy project will operate beyond Nairobi with a development base in Busia County. The Busia facility, located in Nambale on a 21-acre site, is designed as a boarding and training centre for young players.
It will combine football development with formal education, offering structured academic learning alongside intensive sports training. The academy is expected to target youth from underserved regions, giving them access to quality facilities, coaching, and mentorship.
This Busia hub will serve as a foundation for talent identification before progression to higher-performance training in Nairobi.
The program is also expected to focus on youth development from U13 to U17 levels, combining football training with education and discipline.
Wanyama is also expected to take a hands-on role in the project following his transition into retirement in early 2026. He holds a UEFA B coaching license and is working toward his UEFA A License, which could see him directly involved in coaching.
The project is also being developed alongside his brother McDonald Mariga under the Victor Wanyama Foundation, with a focus on scholarships and structured scouting pathways for young players.
