In the same token , we ’ re yet to get FIFA ’ s approval to host international matches due to the incomplete works and lack of proper security , access and other logistical concerns of the stadia .
Clear Roadmap
From the challenges and woes in our sports participation , we still have winnings and lessons to pick for creating a vibrant sports sector in Kenya .
Not looking to take sides , if we start by cleaning houses at the Ministry and national level , Kenya can become a role model in the region and globally of running sports . Sports bodies , such as Sports Kenya and the Sports Fund , need to be run by individuals and persons of high integrity with a clear vision for developing and investing in sports .
A national framework needs to be developed for all players in the sports sector to plug in . Most sports associations and organizations need to be reorganized and a fresh pair of hands onboarded to run the affairs of their sports . We need to retire any official who has served for over 7 years to give way to competent individuals . It ought to be enshrined in the respective sports bodies the requirements for such individuals .
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60 years since our independence and the sports sector is urgently in need of a renaissance . Show me one sport discipline that is worth talking about without the controversy of mismanagement , lack of funds or missed opportunity in national or international duty .
Legal and governance structures need to be followed and adhered to . Still , in the legal space , opportunities should be in place for the individuals and institutions looking to offer legal advice to sports associations and investors in sport . Exploration of investorfriendly and taxation laws are opportunities . Betting and gambling , which have almost become anathema to the local and global sports space , need to be reviewed . Banning these in their entirety may not be a foreseeable future . An enabling environment with the legal and financial structures will serve well to exploit the opportunities and incentives to sports bodies and teams .
Investment opportunities for individuals and companies need to be enhanced across all sports disciplines . Working closely with county and local sports officers , beyond construction of stadiums , infrastructure such as social and youth centres , recreational areas , running tracks and trails are but a few . Creation of hubs or centres of excellence in key counties such as Uasin Gishu , Nyandarua , Nakuru , Embu and Machakos can offer areas of research and innovation in sports science and new ways of training or engaging sports disciplines such as altitude training , circuit and plyometric training .
Kenya has a great opportunity to turn the tide from a political and leadership point of view . The sports sector will be one to watch and where the breadth for growth is enormous . Can we make this happen ?
Richard Wanjohi is a B2B marketing and sports marketing consultant . You can commune with him on this or related matters via email at : RWanjohi @ gmail . com or follow his tweets on @ rwanjohi .