SPORTS AND LEADERSHIP IN KENYA - a podcast by ALC Pan-African Radio

Transcript

In Kenya where failing socio-economic standards are among the many challenges facing the young people in particular, sports is supposed to provide an alternative for them. Sports can also serve as an avenue for personal and national development. Young people are keen to follow the sporting path to make the most of their talents. But many of them are worried about the low returns from engaging sports.

The Sports industry in Kenya continues to grapple with issues of, misappropriation of funds, general mismanagement of players, inadequate infrastructure and minimal investments amongst others. These challenges stem primarily from the ineffective leadership of the sector. Government appointees in the sports ministry for instance, are randomly appointed even without any sporting experience.

The lack of investment in sports infrastructure also reflects failing leadership. For example, the current Kenyan government promised in their first manifesto in 2013, to build new 'state of the art 'stadia across the country. In addition, they also promised to upgrade the existing facilities in the various counties. However, the first project was only completed six years later. Furthermore, although the government had released funds towards these projects, to date the county government are yet to receive the funds. Nonetheless, counties like Mombasa and Kisii have opted to develop their sports facilities at their county’s expense.

The misappropriation of funds as well as embezzlement has severely crippled the industry. Recently, a former Sports Minister and the deputy were both charged in court for involvement in financial misconduct surrounding Kenya’s participation in 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The scandal involved the misappropriation of over thirty million Kenyan shillings or approximately three million US dollar. The misappropriated funds were meant to finance athletes’ participation in the Olympic games were instead used to finance the sports officials and their family members trips to Rio De Janeiro. Nevertheless, the Kenyan team managed to win the second largest haul of medals in the competition.

Lack of investment in Kenya’s sports often results to many sports personalities living in desolate conditions. This has created a negative societal view of the industry and has discouraged the youth from engaging in sports. The industry can transform the lives of young people by creating a sense of independency by providing employment. However, this has been hampered by these factors including, lack of a national leadership that does not recognize the potential of Sports in national development.

I am convinced that with 1) real political will 2) leadership that identifies gaps in the industry and three a leadership that is willing to effect change at whatever cost, transformation will be achieved.

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