Felix Makachia is a former Sony Sugar and Gor Mahia defender who moved to the US in 2002 on a Sports scholarship, joining USIU San Diego to study International Relations. He later joined Park University to pursue another degree in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. He also has a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri.The 47-year old currently works with the US Government as a manager of special housing projects. In 2009, he cofounded Camp Toyoyo in collaboration with other former Kenyan footballers in the US Edwin Odipo, Allan Odhiambo and Agrippa Nyanje. The organisation’s main aim is to empower the communities back home. They meet annually in one of the USA territory states with a focus of giving back to our local communities in Kenya. The football tournament is the most attended diaspora Kenyan event.Mozzart Sport caught up with Felix Makachia, who is the Camp Toyoyo Chairman, for a quickfire interview.Q: What is Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya?A: Camp Toyoyo USA – Kenya is an open not for profit organization founded in Kenya in the early 80’s, by a late community organizer Leonard Omar Otieno popularly known as “Oti Father.” His aim was to clean and wipe out crime, drug use, school dropout, early pregnancy and to stop growing gangs in the streets and estates of Nairobi, Kenya. After his demise, the community lacked a leader to continue his legacy. In 2009 I co-founded Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya in the USA with Edwin Odipo and Allan Odhiambo. The aim was to unite and engage Kenyans in diaspora by continuing the works of the late “Oti Father.” Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya main aim is to mentor and support individuals, families, and young boys’ and girls’ activities in Kenya. We engage the youth by emphasizing leadership, education, sportsmanship, and discipline. In the history of Kenyan football, the original Camp Toyoyo Kenya in Eastlands has supplied the Kenyan national team Harambee Stars with most players. In the USA Camp Toyoyo is a give back support organization.A look at Okumu’s meteoric rise in market value amid interests from Germany, Spain, and ItalyQ: Who attends the Camp Toyoyo Annual Event? A: Camp Toyoyo USA – Kenya organizes annual soccer event, held around the July 4th holiday which is attended by over 1000 people from different parts of USA and neighboring countries. Majority of attendees are either Kenyans or connected to Kenya. In the past years we have had different guest speakers like The Kenyan Ambassador to USA, Kenya legendary international football players, business owners, scholars, and other distinguished guests from different field of practice. We have also had guests from one of the leading insurance in Kenya, the CIC Kenya Insurance Company Ltd and Kenya Power and Lightning company (KPLC) administrators and their entire football team from Mombasa, Kenya.Q: How was the event this year? A: The 2022 Camp Toyoyo event in Seattle was great and different from the past tournaments in so many ways. It was the coldest temperature we’ve ever had. We’re used to upper 90’s but this time it was in the higher 50’s. It forced many to get to their winter gear. The games were very competitive with high intensity. Defending champs Seattle cruised into the finals after winning all their game. Beating Kansas City, Houston and Minnesotta and defeating Atalanta in the semi-final. Dallas tied with Atalanta, and defeating Seattle Youth, Seattle Wazito and defeating Houston in the semi-final before being crowned champions after beating Seattle on post-match penalties. DALLAS SAFARI FC The event was well attended and graced with Bob Jnr from the Wadau Premier League among other guests. We are already looking forward and planning for the 2023 edition.Q: How was the transitioning from Kenya to USA for most of you? A: When we arrived in the USA, many had difficult challenges to transition to the new life. From culture shock, food, day to day lifestyle, the way we talk and British to American English it was different. Most of us came as mature men then you find yourself in a class with young boys and girls straight from high school. We brought a new type of football that had not been experienced in American college football. Most colleges with Kenyan players in USA qualified to the college national’s competition. The nationals used to be like a Kenyan festival. We were not just good football players, but we created a new divergent way of thinking and catalyze academic competition. Our social life was football oriented, which made it easy for us. We were roommates and used to hang together most of the time. 95% of Kenyan footballers athletes students, graduated from college in different disciplines. Others pursued to master’s and PhD’s.Q: How has Camp Toyoyo benefited the public? A: Camp Toyoyo’s history in Kenyan football is unquestionable. It is what revolutionized the Kenyan football by producing many great names in the Kenyan football. Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya creates an equal family friendly atmosphere. Many who come to Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya event will agree of the good memories that are shared on and off the pitch. This is usually a great football extravaganza and family time that many look forward to. Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya has been instrumental and a great advocate in encouraging young people to shun anti-social behavior such as crime, alcoholism, and drugs. Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya has helped in re-shaping the lost image of safety, peace, and a drug free environment to many parts of Kenya through continuous various support. Many residents in these areas have applauded the works and efforts of Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya through there generous support. Giving young lads a chance to advance in their lives; Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya has helped some young talents obtain USA college scholarships. In Kenya Camp Toyoyo has paid college education for some footballers both men and women. During the Covid-19 pandemic Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya joined hands with some local Kenyan organizations in a mission that helped to provide over 500 meals to families. The organization has as well been very active in helping former footballers with medical bills, starting small businesses to better themselves and paying for their coaching licenses.Oliech: Kenya football problems deeper than just the presidencyQ: Future Plans for Camp Toyoyo, USA A: We really want to work with various high schools around Kenya. This will be like youth centers to nature young talents and leaders. The centers will be professionally managed, the talents will be evaluated and awarded based on merit to the next level of either college scholarship scouting or other opportunities abroad.Q: Any challenges so far? A: As much as Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya wants to succeed by assisting families and talented youth, a big challenge is obtaining funds to expand its support network in Kenya. Integrity from those in charge of youth programs is also a concern.Q: Your parting shot? A: Kenya is a noble community initiative providing immense benefits to the public while offering community sense participation. Therefore, Camp Toyoyo assists individuals in Kenya with various resources from medical funds, food donation, female assistance programs and exploring youth football talents. The Camp Toyoyo Executive Office is readily available at any one’s convenience to discuss ways to give back to the community. At Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya annual football event, many Kenyans have come to realize how their presence and contribution is impacting many lives in Kenya.
