Former Harambee Stars forward Mike Baraza returns to medical school to help footballers
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 22.08.25. | 16:44
The 46-year-old expressed his determination to ensure future generations of footballers enjoy medical support that his peers often lacked
Once a revered striker in Kenyan football, former Harambee Stars forward Mike Baraza Nyongesa is charting a new path away from the pitch—this time in the medical field.
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The former AFC Leopards talisman has enrolled at Thika Medical School to pursue a Certificate in Health Service Support, a move driven by his desire to safeguard the health and careers of fellow athletes with his studies now fully funded and guided by the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).
According to KEFWA president James Situma, Baraza’s decision was born out of a strong conviction to address a long-standing gap in athletes' care.
"When we sat down with him, he was very clear; he wanted to make an impact in a different way. He had witnessed many players suffer due to injuries and poor medical attention, and that fueled his desire to go back to school,” Situma told Mozzart Sport.
For Baraza, the journey is deeply personal. Speaking in a video shared by KEFWA while attending classes, the 46-year-old expressed his determination to ensure future generations of footballers enjoy medical support that his peers often lacked.
"The reason I chose Health Service Support is because, having represented both community and country, I know firsthand how important proper treatment and guidance are for athletes.
During our days, we didn’t have that level of support, and I believe this knowledge will help create awareness and improve health standards in sport,” Baraza said.
Situma further explained that KEFWA’s backing goes beyond education. Their mission is to empower retired footballers to be self-reliant, with skills that translate into opportunities even outside the game.
"We wanted him to do something sustainable. Talent alone without documents limits one in today’s job market. With knowledge and certification, it becomes easier to access opportunities.
And our support will not stop here, we will continue walking with him even after he completes his studies and ensure he finds a job, ” the former AFC Leopards and Tusker FC defender emphasised.
Baraza’s decision to pursue medical studies crowns a decorated football career. Locally, he donned the colours of Ulinzi Stars, Nzoia Sugar FC, and AFC Leopards, while abroad, he represented Simba SC and Azam FC in Tanzania, and later had a stint in Malaysia with PDRM FA.
For the national team, the prolific forward earned 19 caps for Harambee Stars, finding the net five times in international duty.
His name was once synonymous with goals, but today, his mission is anchored on saving careers rather than making them.
Baraza now joins the growing list of Kenyan footballers who have pursued higher education alongside their playing careers.
Among the notable names is current Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who pursued a degree in Geospatial Engineering from the Technical University of Kenya.
Former Gor Mahia and national team forward Paul Kiongera also stands out, having studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology.
Equally remarkable is Dennis Gicheru, a former Wazito FC forward and also a former CEO of the club, who went on to study Law. Others include Daniel Sakari, the Kenya Police FC and Harambee Stars defender, who has pursued studies in Pure Mathematics from Masinde Muliro University.
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