It must not be lost to most that it was in the 2015- 16 IRB season that Kenya ’ s Shujaa won its first trophy in the circuit in Singapore . So what happened ? From the change in management to the on-and-off relationships with sponsors , mismanagement and misappropriation of players ’ allowances ; the sport has been on free-fall .
fairly reasonable and can supplement and should complement other media .
How many sports federations maintain databases of their players , sponsors and target audience ( fans )? What engagement is driven on a regular basis – beyond the fundraising and begging bowl ? Which was the last sports federation to take its young discerning fans on a tour of its facilities and entice them to support their sport or clubs ?
These are conversations that our sports bodies and sponsors need to have in the coming years . The start-stop nature of our sports disciplines breaks too many careers and fans ’ commitment to the sport .
Where does the Government feature in all this ?
There are monthly statistics released relating to economic growth or lack thereof . It ’ s about time we have periodic numbers say quarterly or half-year reviews of sports numbers . This maybe sponsorships , prize monies and winnings , fan bases etc .
A baseline of this can be undertaken to understand the breadth and depth of sport in the country . This will bring out an honest conversation on what the Government both at county and national level need to invest and grow sport .
CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup started in the first weekend of December 2017 . Seeking redemption for the CHAN fiasco , this may sweep the dirt that FKF ’ s preparation for the latter under the carpet for now . We have seen modest fan numbers attending the various games . Imagine what would have happened if someone , anyone had impressed on the Government to invest in the infrastructure in good time .
Look at the legacy the World Junior Athletics championships left to the country ? Yes with the right people , right planning and infrastructure and right attitude , any Government of the today will win the hearts of its citizens !
Lastly , we have seen what betting companies have done in and for sport – it maybe amoral for some , but we all need the numbers that make sense , right ? It remains the biggest influence in sports in Kenya until the next big wave sweeps through .
Did I answer the riddle ?
Richard Wanjohi is a sports enthusiast who works as a market researcher by day and gravitates to sport by night . You can commune with him at : RWanjohi @ gmail . com , or @ RWanjohi .