Daniel Kuya: Bringing a Smile to a Child’s Face

In this story, we’ll introduce you to Daniel Kuya, a coach on our Sports Outreach staff in Kenya since 2015. Arthur, also on staff in Kenya, met Daniel as a young boy during soccer clinics in Mukuru Slum in Nairobi. Later David gave his life to Christ after attending a Sports Outreach Bible study. The ministry also helped to pay his High School fees and before too long, he leaned so much about sports ministry that he become a coach. Here is his testimony in his own words.

“’My name is Daniel Kuya. I thank Sport Outreach for transforming my life when I was a kid. They taught me a good way of living and they introduced me to Christ, who I appreciate knowing. I was taught to serve the children [in the slum] and that's why I have a passion for coaching. Football (soccer) brings people together and when you add the Word of God, transformation comes.

All the children come from poor backgrounds, like how I grew up, so I understand the difficulties they face. When we meet every day at the field, we share much love and joy, and I have strength to talk to them, put a smile on their face, have fun and make life feel good for a while. Some of the children do drugs and I give them my testimony on how drugs affected my life. I then share how Sports Outreach put a smile on my face and gave me hope, strength, and joy because of the Lord. I thank God for this golden opportunity of being a coach.”

In early 2021 Daniel’s interest in working with disabled people led him to participate in a Special Olympics training course. The skills gained there will help him better work with those with disabilities, an often neglected population within the slum community.