Bob Munro, the pioneering founder of the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), passed away on Sunday evening at his home in Westlands, Nairobi. He was 78.
His widow, Ingrid, confirmed his passing, noting that Munro had been battling respiratory problems for the past six months.
“Bob, as he was affectionately known in Kenyan football circles, was a beloved father and grandfather. He breathed his last on Sunday, January 19, 2025,” Ingrid shared in a heartfelt statement.
Munro’s impact on Kenyan football and youth development is profound and enduring. Since founding MYSA in 1987, he transformed the lives of thousands of youths from Nairobi’s slums, using sports as a platform for social change. MYSA provided young people with opportunities in sports, photography, film, HIV/AIDS awareness, environmental cleanup, and leadership training, empowering them to transcend their challenging environments.
Munro’s vision was to cultivate role models on and off the field, leading to the formation of Mathare United, a team that has become a staple in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League. Under his stewardship, Mathare United clinched the Moi Golden Cup in 1998 and 2000, and later secured their first league title in 2008.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences, describing Munro as a stalwart of Kenyan sports and a passionate advocate for youth development. “Bob Munro was a pillar of our sports and a firm believer in youth development. His drive to make football thrive in Kenya was extraordinary,” the President remarked, praising Munro’s efforts to nurture talent and bring order to Kenyan football.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also mourned Munro’s passing, hailing him as a true champion of grassroots football. FKF President Hussein Mohammed highlighted Munro’s role in professionalizing the Kenya Premier League (KPL) and his dedication to developing the sport at the grassroots level.
“Bob Munro was a true hero of Kenyan football and a selfless leader. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Mohammed stated.
Munro’s contributions were formally recognized during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, where he was awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) by President Ruto. This accolade underscored his significant role in Kenyan sports and his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
As the football community mourns his loss, Munro’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his work in Kenyan football. His vision and dedication to uplifting young people through sports will continue to inspire future generations.
