Opinion: Invest In Sports To Boost Kenyan Job Creation, Economic Growth

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are jointly set to host the African Cup of Nations in 2027, a unique opportunity for the 3 countries to raise their profiles and promote local tourism.

Like in Europe, hospitality Industry mogul Nazir Jinnah says Kenya can use this opportunity to revolutionize the sports sector- to the extent of having sports tourism.

But it does not end there; he says sports can not only be an avenue for promoting development and social cohesion, but also create employment for millions of young Kenyans, who are jobless.

According to statistics by the Kenyan Government, unemployment rate in Kenya is at 12.5 percent, with a majority being drawn from the 75 percent of the country’s youthful population.

“Countries like China, which successfully leveraged the 2008 Beijing Olympics to modernize and revitalize its capital, stand testament to the transformative power of sports,” Jinnah said.

Speaking during an interview on Saturday, he pointed out that, “the legacy of such events extends beyond the final whistle, leaving behind state-of-the-art facilities, improved transportation networks, and a lasting impact on local economies.”

Sports isn't just a spectator sport , Jinnah said, “it's a booming industry that generates employment on a massive scale.”

He said from athletes and coaches to marketing professionals and event organizers, the sports ecosystem creates a myriad of job opportunities.

“The rise of fantasy sports platforms, sports journalism, and sports science further diversifies the employment landscape, offering career paths that cater to a broad spectrum of skills and interests,” he added.

“Consider the economic engine that is the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, employing thousands directly and indirectly, from players and coaches to hospitality staff and merchandise vendors. Beyond the glitz of the main stage, the sports industry supports countless livelihoods, creating a ripple effect that extends to adjacent sectors.”

Sports in Kenya is largely neglected, with the government making little investment to support the sector.

The national team Harambee Stars is a shadow of its former self, with efforts to revitalize bearing little or no fruits.

But despite a myriad of challenges affecting various disciplines within the sports sector, Kenya remains a giant in athletics.

The Great Rift Valley, with its high-altitude terrain, has birthed a generation of exceptional long-distance runners who seem to effortlessly glide over the tracks and roads.

Names like Eliud Kipchoge, David Rudisha, and Vivian Cheruiyot have become synonymous with excellence, capturing the imaginations of not only Kenyans but sports enthusiasts worldwide.

“Establishing world-class sports academies and training facilities can serve as the cornerstone of athletics,” Jinnah said.

“With a focus on nurturing young talent from a grassroots level, these academies can employ coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and administrative staff. The ripple effect extends to the local economy as facilities require maintenance, and businesses catering to athletes' needs, such as sports equipment shops and nutrition providers, can flourish,” Jinnah asserted.

President William Ruto’s led Kenya Kwanza administration has promised to invest ‘heavily’ in the sports sector.

The sports sector was allocated KSh6.4 billion in the first budget of President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Government.

The amount set to cover the 2023/24 financial year was a tremendous decrease from last year’s allocation of KSh15.8 billion.