Why private sector must partner with the government to help develop Kenya’s sports industry

By Jeremy Awori

On September 18, Kenya hosted one of the most exciting global athletics competitions – the Absa Kip Keino Classic – at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani. It was the final meeting of this year’s World Athletics Continental Tour.

The Absa Kip Keino Classic brought to Kenya some of the world’s top athletes across various disciplines, including sprinters Justin Gatlin and Trayvon Brommel, as well as the 2020 Olympics steeplechase gold medallist El Bakkali, among others.

A big congratulations to our Kenyan athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Vincent Keter, Mary Moraa and Ferdinand Omanyala, among others, who put up a great show, winning and even setting new records in various races. It was indeed a moment of pride for our country.

These events not only play a crucial part in raising the profile of our sports sector on international platforms, but they also greatly promote sports tourism. All over the world, sport is fast becoming a significant contributor to the tourism sector and, consequently, to economic development.

As a bank whose purpose is to bring possibilities to life, we were honoured to have played our role as core partners in this major event that provided our athletes with yet another chance to live their winning spirit on home soil and show the world what Kenya is made of.

It is undeniable that on the global stage, nothing shines the spotlight on Kenya like the prowess of our athletes. The accolades they have won in athletics competitions around the world have built a strong reputation for our country as a producer of world-class runners. Their consistent impressive performances attract regional and internationally renowned athletes who come to Kenya to train alongside our champions, in high-altitude places like Iten and Eldoret.

The Absa Kip Keino Classic was yet another opportunity to stamp our identity as the “Home of Champions” and showcase our growing capability to host international competitions.

As the private sector, we must increasingly take great interest in sports due to the important role it plays in the betterment of our society. From a social perspective, sports plays an important role in nation-building, increasing social cohesion, preventing violence as well as building peace and unifying a people, especially the youth.

According to a UNICEF 2021 research report titled, Getting into the Game, sport is cited as a powerful means of engaging all children and developing their personal and social development to help them achieve their full potential. From an early age, sport provides children – including the most marginalised – with the opportunity to develop their physical abilities and health, socialise, build leadership skills, foster lifelong learning as well as have fun, the study says.

In addition, youth engaging in sports acquire important life skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership skills that boost their confidence and develop desirable qualities for the labour market. More broadly, for societies, the above research identified sports as an important enabler to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

All these factors explain why the private sector should get involved. Among other interventions, the private sector can participate in the development, financing, and provision of sports infrastructure and services. In addition, sport is a cash-incentive sector that needs consistent investment to attract the right role models, coaches and trainers who are critical in generating positive outcomes and nurturing sporting talent.

Over the years, we have witnessed the positive contributions of the private sector in the promotion of sports such as Football, Boxing, and Rugby. Resultantly, many talented youths gain decent employment through sports. Our sponsorship of the Kenya Open Golf Tournament for decades is a testimony to what public-private partnerships can achieve within a short period. Through such fruitful partnerships with the Kenya Open Golf Limited and the Ministry of Sports, we have contributed to the transformation of Kenya Open Golf Tournament from a local event to a prestigious, globally recognised championship that attracts and produces some of the world-renowned golfers.

The success of the Absa Kip Keino Classic is further evidence that when we work together – the public and private sectors – we can raise the bar higher for our country’s sports development, talent identification and development and sports tourism capabilities. With consistent effort, Kenya can be recognised not just as a land of great athletic talent, but one that has the capacity, goodwill and resources to host global competitions on our soil.

For the private sector players, investing in sport creates opportunities for high prominence, visibility, and positive affinity – all of which contribute to profitable outcomes for a company, creating a win-win situation for all.

Jeremy Awori is the Managing Director, Absa Bank Kenya PLC