In Bamburi, Mombasa, where international swimming dreams often feel out of reach, twenty one year old Stephen Ndegwa is proving that raw determination can rewrite what is possible. The Tujiamini Coast Region Silver Winner has already shattered a national record, represented Kenya in major competitions, and is steadily building a path that could one day take him to the Olympics.
Stephen began swimming at seven, guided by the steady encouragement of his single mother. “My mum sacrificed so much for me even when times were hard. I never want to let her down,” he says. Her belief became the anchor that kept him grounded, especially in an environment where many of his peers drifted into harmful habits. Swimming became both discipline and escape.
But progress was never easy. The biggest hurdle was financial. From training fees to equipment and travel costs, keeping up with elite competition required resources he did not have. “Paying for trips has been really hard, but you keep your head down and work for what you desire,” he explains.
When Stephen received KES 100,000 through Tujiamini by SportPesa, the support came at a critical moment. He channelled the full amount into preparation for Kenya’s swimming nationals and his upcoming season, covering gym costs, supplements, and training equipment. The investment paid off in a historic way. Stephen broke a long standing national record previously held by Jason Dunford, one of Kenya’s most celebrated swimmers.
“Through the financial help of Tujiamini, I was able to break Jason Dunford’s record. It brought media attention and even interviews on the news. It showed younger swimmers that even without going abroad, you can still achieve at a high level,” he says.
Stephen heard about Tujiamini from a friend who won previously. The simple application process encouraged him to try. “It was smooth and straightforward. You apply and wait for feedback. I was preparing for a big competition, so the support helped me train without stress,” he says.
Today, Stephen trains with a clear set of near term goals, including preparing for next year’s Commonwealth Games and other major competitions where he hopes to continue raising Kenya’s profile in the pool. His longer term dream is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, a goal he approaches with steady focus rather than pressure.
“We are working with a plan. Step by step. If we keep training and improving, the Olympics will be a future possibility,” he says.
Stephen believes Tujiamini is powerful because it highlights real stories from real people across the country. “You never know what others are going through until you hear their journey. Tujiamini connects us through those stories and motivates us to keep going.”
For now, Stephen continues to train in Mombasa, pushing his limits and inspiring a new generation of coastal swimmers who see in him a version of themselves that can rise. His story is a reminder that talent exists everywhere, and with belief and the right support, young athletes can chart a new path for Kenyan sport.