Global Fast Fit hiking club had me at the top of Mt Longonot.

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano located in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha, rising to an elevation of 2,776 meters. It is a popular hiking destination featuring a 3.1 km steep ascent to the rim and a 7.2 km loop around the 1.8 km wide crater, offering scenic views, with a total hike time of 3-6 hours. Admittedly, it is not too long but it is very steep. As we went round the rim of the volcano, I was treated to stunning panaromic views including 3 different rainclouds, in three different areas, pouring rain and thunder. It felt God like. My mind started to drift. 

As you hike the trail, If you have a good pair of lungs and native Kalenjin legs carrying you, like I do, then you will use 50% of your energy going up the mountain and the other 50% noticing the memory of a massive volcanic eruption a long time ago. The long fissures on the ground, the lava flow remains, the deep crater left, the abundant ecosystem that has laid claim to these remains and attempt to hide the extent of damage done on this mountain by a violent series of eruptions. The eruption solidified its name, Oloonong'ot, as it created dramatic, rugged spurs and steep ridges that still define the mountain today- Mountain of Many Spurs. 

I started to think about how beginnings are rarely soft. Even life itself has painful, forceful beginnings. The universe does not favor gentle beginnings. Its tool of choice is the violent burst: rupture, pressure, tearing, collapse, eruption, burning, breaking. Beginnings are often misremembered as hopeful, peaceful, glowing things but when you actually look closely, many beginnings are brutal. 

A new life does not drift quietly into the world. Child birth comes through contractions, pressure, tearing, blood, pain, and immense force. For the chick to begin its life in the world, it must strike, crack, and break the very structure that once protected it. A seed does not grow by staying whole, the casing splits, the contained form breaks, and only then can roots and shoots emerge. New land can be born through volcanic explosion. The eruption looks destructive, yet it is also creative, laying down the material for future ground. Floods are feared for their force, but they also carry and spread rich sediment that later supports healthy regrowth. Forest fire consumes, but it also clears dead matter, opens cones, returns nutrients to the soil, and creates conditions for regrowth. Even something as fluid as water begins new landscapes through relentless force. Over time a river cuts, wears down, and reshapes stone itself. A butterfly emerging from a chrysalis is not neat. The butterfly must struggle out. The emergence is effortful because the struggle itself helps form what is needed for flight. Ease would actually interrupt development. Muscle develops when strain creates tiny tears in tissue, which the body then repairs into stronger form. An island may begin in hidden violence, with magma forcing its way upward beneath the sea. A beautiful island paradise begins in fire, pressure, and upheaval.

Inner life follows the same pattern. A person often does not awaken gently. Awareness begins when a lie fails, when denial can no longer hold, when an inner structure cracks. A new mind begins in the ruins of a false one. Often, emotional healing begins with emotions like anger, shame, confusion, pain or conflict.

I think the energy feels violent because beginnings are rarely clean. They are crowded with tension, uncertainty, and force. They push matter, body, time, or self out of one form and into another it is not just the start of something but rather, a rearrangement of something already in existance. This kind of change must have friction. It must cost something. One state has to break so that another can exist. 

Maybe we suffer partly because we keep expecting beginnings to feel gentle when the pattern all around us suggests they are often scorching. 

It was a calming thought. The hike may have been tough but I felt warm. I realized that the we often dread the intensity, the instability and the disruptive nature of life in general and use a lot of time and effort to keep things the way they are. But the universe is much bigger and stronger and will have its way every time. The universe concentrates force to break one form so that another can begin. So I do not need to mistake intensity for failure but, to stay steady enough to be remade as need be.

It’s midday but the sky is overcast like it's still morning. The city well known for its morning rain had a shower in the night and the signs are visible but this however doesn't deter the activities being done. Up at COBAP gym on the Lubya Hill in Kampala city, you can hear the brooms scraping against the new cement floor.  The gym apart from being larger than the neighbouring houses doesn’t look different on the outside than the general housing in the area. For anybody who has stayed in Kampala, Lubya hill on this side, seems an anomaly because the unspoken rule in Kampala is that the rich take the hills and poor take the valleys. Here however, the opposite seems true and it speaks loudly in the way the houses appear and how the gym used to look

A few months back, the gym was a bare murram floor, with a stack of car tyres, in the corner, a dingy but wide room with a slanting roof that would quickly look dark even with the gaping holes in its walls. The club boxers would come in at intermittent times to train under the watchful eye of the head coach popularly called Coach Lora, a simplified name for his long one, Lawrence Kalyango.

The gym has its roots from a community organisation that was helping AIDS victims. An organization called The Community Based AIDS Programme(COBAP)  had operated here and sports was part of their activities they did in the community and the boxing sessions were done in the gym. However, the organization died but the boxing continued and the name stuck. 

There is momentary stillness as the sweeping has been completed but there is a desire to make the place sparkle much more than than the sweeping could do. The renovations in the place are quite evident. A new cement floor, a sitting area, window frames already put in place, some brand new brickwork where there used to be empty gaps and a fresh coat of paint on the inner walls and  office. Overhead, are bigger bulbs for better lighting.  This renovation breathes  life and a new sparkle  into a gym that was known for producing  talent from a ghetto. 

There is a lull in the sweeping, water has to be purchased to clean the floor, the gym is about to get its first scrub, before that water was purchased to spray on the dust in the room so that it wouldn’t rise up during trainings, this time however, water will be used to make the floor sparkle. And this means some discussion before that can happen.

Just below the gym on one side, is a home with a tank where they sell water to fill a 20 litre jerrycan at five hundred shillings but on the upper side there is a new person selling three 20 litre jerrycans at one thousand shillings. The decision of who to purchase from is not that difficult to make. Every coin matters, especially in a place like this. And it doesn’t end there, when the water is poured, a cloth is placed at the entrance of the gym so as not to allow the water to flow outside. The water that collects there is poured back into the basin and reused to scrub the unscrubbed portions of the floor.. 

Every boxer who arrives just joins without being told. This is a team that knows the value of  team work. In the hive of activity one can see Batte Nuhu, just the other day, on Boxing day, he retook the Ugandan welterweight belt again. There is Kimera Moses who also won the Flyweight 51 kg category. These are big achievements and highly lauded but on this day here at COBAP, it seems like it's business as usual. The pomp and hype is nowhere to be seen, it's back to work like nothing has happened. The water has to be poured back into the basins, the brooms have to be pressed firmly into the new floor because you can bet people here want it sparkling, ready for its opening. After that, the punching bags will be lifted up for training to start.  Everybody participates regardless of status, belts or  kilograms. One thing one can see is the watchful eyes of Coach Lora who paces like the way he does when he is training them or by the ringside as they put into practice what he taught them. He issues instructions and what he wants done and hum of work continues with the occasional joke, laughter or conversation that pops up. 

A distance away is Sanyu Roberts, the Uganda GFF manager who has been behind the renovations. You could detect a smile on his face as he looks at what is happening. He seemingly seems lost in his thoughts. One could even imagine he could be seeing the smiles of those who sponsored this amazing work. From a dusty, old gym to something remarkable like this that will still be changing the lives of those who had few options in life. You can already see it in the new spring in their steps and the smiles as the work continues in earnest.

When all this is done, the exercises will begin, the punchbags will face the full wrath of those scrubbing hands, this time clothed in boxing gloves and coach Lora will issue commands under the watchful gaze of the bigger, unblinking bulbs overhead. The past victories have never made anybody forget here that there are more victories ahead.

On 31st January 2026, the Global Fast Fit Community Based Organisation hosted a fitness faceoff that brought together 22 competitors from different gyms. It was a day filled with intensity, grit, and determination. But above all, it was a day that reminded us what true strength really looks like.

Among the competitors was David Otieno, representing Palmer Fitness.

By the end of the competition, David had topped the majority of the workouts. He emerged the best overall competitor.

And David was born with symbrachydactyly.

Strength Beyond Physical Form

David began bodybuilding in 2021. His journey has not been defined by what he lacks, but by what he has built — resilience, creativity, and unmatched determination.

Watching him train is an experience in itself.

Dumbbell chest presses? He straps the weight onto his underdeveloped arm and presses with control.
Dumbbell lateral raises? Same method.
Deadlifts — 210 kilograms? He straps in and pulls with perfect form.
Barbell rows? Executed flawlessly.

You might wonder how he maintains proper technique. The answer is simple: mastery. David has mastered his craft. He figured it out. He adapted. He became creative.

A man who can do what many people with both hands cannot do.

More Than an Athlete

Before reconnecting with us at Global Fast Fit, I had met David at an event where he worked as a bouncer. Even then, he carried himself with quiet strength and dignity.

For work, David labors at construction sites. He says he has no option but to work hard. One statement he made during the interview has stayed with me: 

   “People pitying me will not feed me.”

That is the mindset of a champion.

Despite coming from a humble background, David has risen to become a decorated athlete. He has won titles including:

• Mr 001 (held in Mombasa, Kenya)

• Mr East Africa Award

• Second place in Mr East Africa (People with Disability category)

Yet beyond the awards, what stands out most is his humility.

The Power of Community

During the documentary interviews, I had the privilege of speaking with people who know David closely.

His gym buddies — Fredrick and Paul Indimuli — who are also his childhood friends, shared something powerful: David motivates them. He pushes them. They enjoy training together — and yes, he even beats them in some workouts.

Patrick Kamau, owner and trainer at Palmer Fitness, said:

“The first time I saw David, I could not believe he was lifting weights without a full hand. David has been challenging a lot of people. People stare and wonder how he does it.”

Simon Ndungu from Global Fast Fit, who also competed in the faceoff, admitted he was shocked. Competing with full physical ability and still being beaten forced him to reflect and push harder.

David does not just lift weights.

He lifts standards.
He lifts expectations.
He lifts the people around him.

A Different Perspective on Challenges

One question I asked David was how he felt as a child, growing up and noticing he looked different from other kids. His response was profound: the other children never treated him differently — so he never felt different.

There is something powerful about that.

What I have learned from David’s story is this:

Challenges will always exist. What matters is what you do after facing them. You can sit down and wait for mercy, or you can wake up and work.

There is always a way — but you must be willing to figure it out. Challenges do not just block paths; sometimes they forge new ones. They force creativity. They build resilience. They reveal strength we did not know we had.

Gratitude

I am deeply grateful to Global Fast Fit for giving me the opportunity to listen to and help share such a transformative story. Stories like David’s change perspectives. They challenge excuses. They awaken purpose.

And to David:

Thank you for accepting yourself fully.
Thank you for choosing discipline over pity.
Thank you for showing the world that what looks like a limitation can become a unique advantage.

You are already the best version of yourself.

Sometimes the very thing we think is a weakness is actually a blessing in disguise.

And strength — real strength — is not measured by how many limbs you have, but by how determined you are to use what you have.

This is a 500ml Standard Serving Analysis, for a snack shack we recently made at the GFF CBO in Kenya. We used big wave tech, a free AI helper and asked it to give me recipes for each smoothie that I made. We used the recipe to make a shopping list, then make the recipes, taste them and give a review for each.

1. Banana Peanut Power Smoothie

Ingredients (500ml):
1 banana, 25g peanut paste, 250ml milk, 1 tsp honey.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 67 KES
Actual: 70 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 120 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 425 kcal per serving. This smoothie provides a strong combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, and potassium. It offers sustained energy and high satiety, making it suitable as a meal replacement or recovery drink.

Notes:
This smoothie is easy to source and simple to prepare. Its thickness makes it filling and satisfying, though slightly heavy if consumed quickly. Ingredient stability makes it reliable for scaling production. However, the bananas available to us are very sugary. The teaspoonful of honey was excessive. The smoothie did not need sweetening. The peanuts gave the smoothie a nutty twist which did well to make the smoothie balanced as banana becomes boring quickly.

Suggested retail Name: The Power pour

Rating: 8/ 10

2. Mango Yogurt Recovery Smoothie

Ingredients (500ml):
1 mango, 200ml yogurt, water to volume, 1 tsp honey.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 105 KES
Actual: 115 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 180 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 275 kcal per serving. Provides carbohydrates for quick energy and probiotics for gut health. Moderate calorie density with a refreshing profile.

Notes:
Visually appealing and smooth in texture. Slightly higher ingredient cost due to yogurt but carries strong perceived value. Easy to blend and well suited for general consumers. The yoghurt in the smoothie overshadowed the mango in both flavor and smell, which should have been the star of the show. I would recommend that we reduce the yoghurt. It is mango season in Kenya and the mangoes are luscious and delicious thus, we do not need the teaspoonfull of honey.

Suggested retail Name: Velvet mango

Rating: 6/ 10

3. Hard-Boiled Egg Pair

Ingredients:
2 eggs, pinch of salt.

Cost per serving:
Budget: ~30 KES (estimated)
Actual: 42 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 100 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 140 kcal. High-quality complete protein with strong satiety and minimal sugar. Excellent protein-to-cost ratio.

Notes:
Requires advance boiling and cooling but no blending equipment. Simple, efficient, and nutritionally powerful. Shelf life must be monitored carefully. 

We have had a snack in Kenya called ‘mayai pasua’ since the inception of the country and it is a twist of the humble boiled egg. You take a hot or warm hard boiled egg, split it down the middle, add a tablespoon of ‘kachumbari’ , throw in a pinch of salt and enjoy a very delicious snack. If you are extra like me, bring a bit of ketchup or any favorite sauce and enjoy. One is never enough!

Suggested retail Name: Mayai pasua

Rating: 10/10 - Mayai pasua

  6/10 - plain salted boiled egg

4. Peanut Oat Energy Cup

Ingredients (500ml equivalent serving):
40g oats, 20g peanut paste, milk or water, 1 tsp honey.

Cost per serving:
Budget: 82 KES
Actual: 75 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 130 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 380 kcal. Provides slow-release carbohydrates combined with healthy fats for prolonged energy and fullness.

Notes:
Very filling and cost-efficient. Requires soaking or softening time. Suitable for structured meal support rather than quick refreshment. Oats are an acquired taste for most Kenyans as it is not readily available for us and quite pricy. This was a first time for a majority of us, seeing, preparing and tasting oats. I had very low expectations for it but the scent from toasting the oats was very appealing and the snack was a pleasant surprise. I also recommend that it be eaten hot.

Suggested retail Name: Oat and nut cup

Rating: 7.5 / 10

5. Lemon Ginger Hydration Drink

Ingredients (500ml):
Juice of 1 lemon, small ginger portion, water, small honey.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 20 KES
Actual: 20 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 80 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 30 kcal. Very low calorie, supports hydration and digestion. Minimal sugar content.

Notes:
Extremely affordable and easy to produce in bulk. Light and refreshing with minimal preparation complexity. We expected a bitter and tough drink; in lesser words- a healthy drink but were pleasantly surprised by the fresh flavour of this drink. It was not bitter at all. It had a kick to it and instantly cooled you down. In Kenya, we have a boiled version of this drink called the 'dawa drink'. It is highly popular and quite a potent remedy for cold, flu, allergies and, used by choir members to keep their voices as sparkling as the drink. 

Retail Name: Citrus splash

Rating: 9 / 10

6. Passion Fruit Refresher

Ingredients (500ml):
1 passion fruit, water, small honey.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 30 KES
Actual: 30 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 90 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 32 kcal. Light hydration option with vitamin C and mild natural sweetness.

Notes:
Aromatic and vibrant in flavor. Affordable and simple to prepare, with strong local appeal. The drink has an alluring scent that fills up the room and sets you up for a fall. The flavor is muted and excellent for hydration. However, it is not the passion fruit season and the fruits are hard to source and expensive.

Retail Name: Tropical Splash

Rating: 5 / 10

7. Pineapple Mint Cooler

Ingredients (500ml):
Pineapple portion, mint leaves, water.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 60 KES
Actual: 50 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 110 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 80 kcal. Provides vitamin C and hydration with a cooling effect.

Notes:
Requires fruit cutting but remains straightforward. Refreshing profile suitable for warm environments. The fruit has a great color and a strong fresh refreshing scent to it. It was my personal favorite and my first time buying, smelling and using mint. The drink blends well but is difficult to sieve as it creates a smooth almost gum-like paste that collects at the bottom of the sieve. It was worth the hassle.

Suggested retail Name: Pine mint cooler

Rating: 9 / 10

8. Banana Oat Shake

Ingredients (500ml):
1 banana, 30g oats, milk or water, 1 tsp honey.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 75 KES
Actual: 70 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 120 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 360 kcal. Combines fast and slow carbohydrates for sustained energy with moderate fullness.

Notes:
Balanced and affordable. Slightly thick but generally well tolerated. Good middle-ground energy option. Most of us did not know what to expect with our minimal experience with oats but this was also a great snack. It did not need the honey. The banana was adequately sweet.

Suggested retail Name: Golden Grain Shake

Rating: 7 / 10

9. Avocado Energy Cup

Ingredients:
1 avocado, lemon pinch, salt.

Cost per serving:
Budget: ~40 KES (estimated)
Actual: 57 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 130 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 240 kcal. Rich in healthy fats, supports sustained energy and satiety with minimal sugar.

Notes:
Premium feel with creamy texture. Ingredient cost fluctuates seasonally. Requires careful ripeness management. It is not avocado season here so the avocado was hard to source and expensive. There were very divided and contrasting views on this snack as avocado is quite popular in Kenya. A group of us loved the added twist of lemon but a fraction of us hated the twist and argued that avocado is sacred and should not be besmirched with the likes of lemon. It should be enjoyed plain and simple. 

Suggested retail Name: Green gold

Rating: 7.5 / 10 - The ones who loved the lemon flavored avocado

2/10 - Avocado purists.

10. Orange Recovery Drink

Ingredients (500ml):
2–3 oranges, water, and pinch salt.

Cost per 500ml:
Budget: 32 KES
Actual: 62 KES

Proposed Selling Price: 120 KES

Nutritional Value:
Approximately 150 kcal. Provides natural sugars for quick energy and electrolytes for hydration.

Notes:
Bright and refreshing. Cost varies with orange pricing. Easy to produce but sensitive to market fluctuations. This was an acquired taste for all of us since it was salty orange juice. It had mixed reactions, some liked it others did not. I would love this in a water bottle, diluted in drinking water for a hike or cycling long distance. It is an extravagant snack as it needs a lot of juicy delicious oranges to be squeezed up to make just one glass of it. It smells amazing.

Suggested retail Name: Citrus Charge

Rating: 6 / 10

The Discipline Nobody Sees

In fitness, leadership, and life, people celebrate results.They see trophies.
They see fit bodies.
They see organized tournaments.
They see growing clubs.

But what they don’t see is the discipline behind it all.

Discipline is quiet.
Discipline is uncomfortable.
Discipline is lonely.

And most of the time… nobody applauds it.

1. Showing Up When Nobody Is Watching

There are mornings you wake up and your body says no.

There are days attendance is low.
There are sessions where energy feels flat.
There are tournaments where planning feels overwhelming.

But you show up anyway.

Not because it’s exciting.
Not because someone is praising you.
But because discipline is stronger than mood.

That is the work nobody sees.

2. The Sacrifices Behind Growth

Leadership in fitness and sports looks glamorous on the outside.

But behind every successful event:

• There were late-night planning sessions.

• There were budgeting challenges.

• There were phone calls and follow-ups.

• There were moments of doubt.

Growth requires sacrifice:

• Time you could spend relaxing

• Comfort you could protect

• Energy you could save

Discipline demands that you invest now for results later.

3. Discipline Is Doing the Right Thing Consistently

Motivation comes and goes.

Energy fluctuates.

Excitement fades.

But discipline stays.

It is:

• Training even when results are slow

• Coaching even when appreciation is low

• Leading even when support is limited

• Improving even when no one notices

That consistency builds strength — physically and mentally.

4. The Hidden Battle: Fighting Yourself

The hardest competition is not against opponents.

It is against:

• Laziness

• Excuses

• Self-doubt

• Fear of failure

Every day, discipline wins small battles.

And those small victories create long-term success.

5. Why It Matters

People see the medals.
They see the titles.
They see the growth of a club or movement.

But those visible results are built on invisible habits.

The discipline nobody sees:

• Builds character

• Creates leaders

• Sustains movements

• Shapes champions

Without it, nothing lasts.

Final Thoughts

Success is not loud.

Discipline is not glamorous.

But both are powerful.

So the next time progress feels slow…
The next time effort feels unnoticed…
The next time you feel alone in the process…

Remember:

The discipline nobody sees today
is the success everybody will see tomorrow.

From Player to Leader: Lessons I’ve Learnt Being in Global Fast Fit

There was a time when everything was about me.

My training.
My fitness.
My matches.
My performance.

I measured progress by medals, speed, strength, and applause. If I played well, it was a good day. If I didn’t, it wasn’t.

But leadership changed the scoreboard.When I became more involved in Global Fast Fit (GFF) — organizing sessions, planning tournaments, coordinating people — I slowly realized something: being a player develops skill, but being a leader develops character.And character is tested daily.

The Day I Realized Leadership Is Heavy

I remember events where not everything went as planned. Attendance wasn’t as high as expected. Equipment wasn’t perfectly organized. A few participants arrived late. A day when the tournament day arrived with less than two entries. As a player, I would have focused only on my match.But that day, I couldn’t.

I was thinking about logistics.
About timing.
About how people were feeling.
About what could go wrong.

I learned that leadership is mental weight. You carry the vision, the pressure, and sometimes even the disappointment — quietly.

But you also carry hope.

Performance Gets Applause. Leadership Gets Responsibility.

When you perform well as an athlete, people clap for you.When you lead, people look at you.

They look at:

• How you respond when things fail

• How you treat people

• Whether you stay calm under pressure

• Whether you are consistent

There were moments I had to encourage others even when I felt tired myself. Moments I had to stay positive when resources were limited. Moments I had to show up early and leave late.Leadership doesn’t always feel glamorous.But it feels meaningful.

Talent Is Everywhere — But Structure Is Rare

Through organizing tournaments and training sessions, I’ve seen raw talent. Strong players. Fast learners. Determined young athletes.

But I’ve also seen how many lack opportunity.That realization changed my mindset. Instead of asking, “How can I improve myself?” I started asking, “How can we build systems that help others improve?”

Leadership is about building structures:

• Consistent training schedules

• Clear communication

• Organized competitions

• Fair opportunities

A single good player wins a match.
A strong system builds generations.

Discipline Became My Anchor

There are days motivation is high — especially after success.

But the real test is showing up on ordinary days.

The quiet mornings.
The small sessions.
The days few people notice.

Building GFF taught me that discipline creates momentum. When you show up consistently, even when it’s hard, people begin to trust you.

And trust is the foundation of leadership.

Leadership Is Service, Not Status

At first, I thought leadership meant giving instructions.Now I understand it means serving first.

It means:

• Preparing before others arrive

• Checking on members individually

• Solving problems without complaining

• Taking blame when necessary

It means putting the mission above your ego.

True leadership is invisible effort.

The Biggest Shift: From “Me” to “We”

As a player, my focus was improvement.

As a leader, my focus is impact.

Seeing someone gain confidence.
Watching a beginner improve week by week.
Observing a team work together.

Those moments feel bigger than any trophy.

Because leadership multiplies success. It’s no longer about one person winning — it’s about a community growing.

I Am Still Learning

The journey from player to leader is not complete. I am still learning patience. Still learning communication. Still learning how to balance ambition with empathy.

But one thing is clear:

Leadership is not about being ahead of everyone.
It’s about lifting everyone.

And through Global Fast Fit, I have discovered that the greatest victory is not standing alone at the top — it is building something that stands even when you are not there.

Since the opening of the GFF Center, my days have taken on a new rhythm. Waking up at 5 a.m. so I can be at the center by 5:30, ready for the morning workout, has become routine. At the beginning, it wasn’t easy. The body resisted, the mind negotiated, but deep down I knew it had to be done.

Slowly, people started showing up. One by one, then in small groups. As the numbers grew, so did my motivation. There’s something powerful about knowing others are counting on you. It pushes you beyond comfort. I often ask myself: If I don’t turn up, who will? If I show weakness, who will be strong? Leadership, I’ve learned, is not about words—it’s about showing up, especially on the hard days.

Seeing people choose to start their day with exercise is a constant reminder of why I began this journey. Their commitment fuels mine. Every stretch, every run, every shared breath at sunrise reinforces the belief that we are building something meaningful together.

So far, so good. The early mornings, the discipline, the consistency—it all feels worth it. My motivation comes from the people, from the community we’re growing, and from the simple act of showing up. And as long as there are more people to inspire and bring on board, I’ll keep pushing.

Since the official opening of the Global Fast Fit CBO Lanet, I have met many people—each arriving with a different agenda, a different story, and a different goal. Some come seeking weight loss, others are drawn by sports, morning runs, or structured fitness routines. Yet despite these differences, there is one shared desire: to belong to a community.

For some, GFF CBO Lanet is more than just a fitness center. It is a safe space. A place where individuals feel seen, supported, and accepted. A place where parents feel comfortable bringing their children, knowing they are in an environment that promotes growth, discipline, and positivity. That sense of safety and trust is something we do not take lightly.

On my end, the journey has been equally transformative. Being part of this community has exposed me to opportunities beyond physical fitness. Through the book club within the center, I have found myself reading more, reflecting deeper, and gradually improving my communication skills. Conversations have become more intentional, and listening has become just as important as speaking.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people are different—and those differences matter. People think differently, react differently, and are motivated by different things. What works for one person may not work for another. This realization has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of handling people as individuals rather than as a group.

Bridging the gap, therefore, is not just about fitness or programs. It’s about understanding. It’s about creating a space where different goals coexist, where diverse personalities are respected, and where growth happens both physically and mentally. At GFF CBO Lanet, the gap is bridged every day—through shared effort, open minds, and a community that continues to grow stronger together.

The year 2026 began on a powerful note for us at Global Fast Fit. On 2nd January 2026, we proudly launched the Global Fast Fit Community Based Organisation in Nakuru, Kenya. Little did we know that this milestone would be immediately followed by an even bigger adventure — crossing borders to witness the launch of our sister club, COBAP Boxing Club, in Uganda.

Thanks to the sponsorship and support of Global Fast Fit, our journey officially began on 3rd January 2026.

Hitting the Road: The Journey Begins

Our travel team consisted of Meshack, our Nomads leader; Noxie, the Global Fast Fit Table Tennis Captain; and myself, travelling in the capacity of a Global Fast Fit Ambassador.

The plan was simple — catch a bus from Nairobi via Nakuru. Unfortunately, the bus never showed up. With no time to waste, we improvised and boarded a unit van, an imported vehicle transiting through Kenya to Uganda. Not the most comfortable option, but passion doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.

We departed at 11:00 pm. The van had limited leg space, and discomfort was unavoidable, but excitement overpowered everything. It was my first time travelling to a new country, and that alone kept my spirits high.

Border Lessons and Firsts

The journey flowed through Eldoret, Bungoma, and eventually Malaba, the Kenya–Uganda border. We arrived around 4:00 am, and the real adventure began.

Passport checks, vehicle clearance (since it was an imported van), and one important requirement — a Yellow Fever vaccine, which I had to take at the border. We also exchanged Kenyan currency for Ugandan shillings, immediately noticing the contrast: Kenya’s highest note is 1,000, while Uganda’s goes up to 50,000.

Paperwork done, we crossed over. I was officially in Uganda.

A Different World Across the Border

Almost immediately, Uganda felt different.

• Heavy military and police presence every few kilometers

• Traditional brew “chagaa” openly sold — illegal back home in Kenya

• Fuel sold in roadside stalls, not just fuel stations

• Lush greenery everywhere — forests, plantations, endless green

Uganda was visibly greener and more rural in feel. We were stopped once by military officers to verify our documents, a reminder that we were in unfamiliar territory.

Along the way, Sanyu Roberts, Head of COBAP Uganda, kept calling to check on our progress — a gesture that already made us feel welcome.

Jinja, the Nile, and Into Kampala

We passed through Jinja, crossed a heavily guarded bridge over the River Nile, and later reached Mukono, a sign that Kampala was close.

After 17 long hours on the road, hungry and exhausted but buzzing with excitement, we finally arrived in Kampala. The country was deep in general election campaign season — streets packed, energy high.

One thing that amazed me: despite heavy traffic police presence and seemingly chaotic bodaboda riding, I did not witness a single accident during my entire stay.

A Royal Welcome at COBAP

After arriving, Sanyu directed us to meet him. We already knew each other from boxing matches in Kenya, so the reunion was warm and familiar.

From there, we headed straight to COBAP Boxing Community — and what awaited us was nothing short of royal.

We were received with overwhelming love and excitement. Brendah “The Ring Beast,” Prince Kimera, Julius, Peter (their media in-charge), and the entire boxing team welcomed us like family.

The launch event featured:

• Shadow boxing sessions

• Speeches from important guests

• The Guest of Honour, the Assistant Chairman of the Uganda Boxing Federation

Then came food — delicious chicken, meat, and local nut-based cuisines that absolutely hit the spot.

Meshack and Noxie later showcased table tennis, sparking huge interest among the boxers. It was beautiful to see sports crossing disciplines and borders.

Rest, Conversations, and Culture

By evening, fatigue finally caught up with us. We found a place to rest, then later chilled with Sanyu, who treated us as we shared long conversations about life, sports, and everything in between.

Uganda left a strong impression on me — peaceful, warm, and full of positive energy.

An Extended Stay & Deeper Connections

On Monday, 5th January, we were supposed to have a quick lunch — pizza and soda — and head back to Kenya. Saying goodbye already felt heavy.

But then came great news: Global Fast Fit decided to extend our stay. Joy doesn’t even begin to describe how we felt.

The next day, 6th January, we visited the historic Buganda Kingdom. Much of the history resonated with what I had learned in school — some inspiring, some painful, some violent — but all deeply important.

Later that day, we returned to COBAP to shoot videos and discuss Big Wave Tech, one of Global Fast Fit’s tech franchises. It was a productive and fulfilling day.

One Last Push: Training & Farewell

On 7th January, before heading back, we were given the privilege of training with the COBAP boxers. Let me tell you — it was tough. Brutal endurance, intense discipline, and pure grit. Massive respect to those athletes.

By evening, Sanyu escorted us to the bus station. This time, the bus was comfortable — but my heart was heavy.

Uganda had been incredibly kind to me:

• The food

• The positivity

• The love

• The people

Leaving felt unreal, but as we know, everything has an end.

Gratitude & A Perfect Start to the Year

Thank you Global Fast Fit for making this journey possible.
Thank you Sanyu, Brendah, Peter, Prince Kimera, and the entire COBAP family for the unforgettable warmth and hospitality.

Your kindness will forever remain in my heart.

We crossed back into Kenya, documents verified, and finally arrived in Nakuru safe and sound.

What a way to start the year.
What a journey.
What an experience.

Fitness Beyond the Gym: How GFF Is Building Stronger Communities

When people hear the word fitness, they often imagine weights, treadmills, and intense workouts inside four walls. At Global Fast Fit (GFF), we’ve learned that fitness is much bigger than that. It’s about people, purpose, and building communities that move—together.

Redefining What Fitness Means

At GFF, fitness goes beyond reps and routines. It’s about:

Creating safe spaces for people to be active

Using sport as a tool for connection

Making wellness accessible, not exclusive

From university clubs to community outreach, we believe fitness should meet people where they are, not the other way around.

Sport as a Bridge

One of the most powerful things we’ve seen is how sport brings people together. Through activities like table tennis, cycling, running, and functional fitness, GFF creates environments where:

Beginners feel welcome

Talent is discovered and nurtured

Discipline, teamwork, and confidence are built

You don’t need expensive equipment or elite status—just willingness to show up.

Community First, Always

GFF’s impact is strongest when we step into communities. Whether it’s visiting local clubs, working with schools, or organizing inclusive tournaments, the goal is the same:

use movement to inspire healthier lifestyles and stronger bonds.

Fitness becomes a shared experience—something that unites different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Developing More Than Athletes

Yes, GFF develops fit individuals—but more importantly, it develops:

 Leaders

 Role models

 Disciplined and resilient people

Through consistent training, mentorship, and exposure, participants grow not just physically, but mentally and socially.

The Bigger Vision

Our vision is simple but powerful:

A world where fitness is a community tool, not a privilege.

By blending wellness, sport, and outreach, GFF is proving that real impact doesn’t start in the gym—it starts with people.

When communities move together, they grow together.

And at Global Fast Fit, that’s the kind of strength we’re building—one session, one game, and one community at a time