CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPORTS TOWARDS NATIONALDEVELOPMENT IN KENYA

BY

ANDANJE MWISUKHA, NJORORAI, W.W.S. AND- ONYWERA VINCENT

KENYATTA UNIVERSITYPHYSICAL & HEALTH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

P.O. BOX 43844NAIROBI, KENYA.

ABSTRACTAfter the attainment of independence from colonial rule in 1963, the priority issues onwhich the post-colonial Kenya Government focused its attention was eradication ofpoverty, improvement of healthcare facilities and expansion of education. Nationaldevelopment plans in thefirst decade therefore addressed these three main issues. At thattime, sport did not feature as a facet to development. Though people participated insports, this was to a less extent and was generally regarded as pastime activity. Inaddition, sports were regarded as an activity for children in schools.

In the 1960 's, some athletes who excelled in major international competitions providedthe impetus for increased interest and participation in sports by Kenyans from all walksof life. Consequently, many sports federations and organization to manage andadminister various sports disciplines were formed and registered by the Government.

At this moment in the history of Kenya, there has been tremendous development of sports.Its popularity has stemmed from the understanding of the Government and the people ofKenya of the role of sports as a vehicle for national development. Indeed, thecontribution of sports towards social, economic, cultural and political development ofKenya has been immense. Unfortunately, there has been no documentation of theimportant role of sports in Kenya's development. The present paper therefore presentsan overview of the status of sports in Kenya, the achievements attained and anelaboration on tangible contributions that sports has made towards the development ofthe nation. It is hoped that the information will provide some ideas and lessons thatcould benefit other countries of the world in their efforts to develop mass sport.

KEY WORDS: Sport, National Development, Post-colonial, Social Development.

INTRODUCTIONBefore the establishment of colonial(British) rule in Kenya in the middle of the19th Century, the indigenous peopleparticipated in a wide range of physicalactivities, which were part of their dailyroutine of life (Wamukoya, 1993). The

traditional society had numerous games,dances and initiation rituals couched inphysical prowess. Rituals to mark thebeginning of the planting, harvesting,hunting, rain or circumcision seasons wereusually accompanied by dancing andsinging. Competitive games and activities

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in wrestling, running, throwing, climbing,and mock fights were also common amongherds boys while looking after domesticanimals (Mazrui; 1986, Wamukoya, 1993).While emphasizing on the fact that Kenya'sindigenous people engaged in a wide rangeof traditional sports, Stuart (1993)summarizes it thus:

"Sport has always been part of life in Africa, but inthe past people played different games and took partin different sports. Youngpeople wrestled or foughtfriendly stick fights. Young herd boys rode races ontheir animals. Those who lived near water enjoyedswimming and canoe racing. Dancing was a/wayspopular, and some children even rode toboggans.Those who were successful in traditional sport hadhigh status. Then as now, the winners were admiredand respected".(pp 77)

Most of the modern games in their presentform were introduced into Kenya by theBritish colonialists in the first half of thezo" century. The colonialists emphasizedon the inclusion of Physical Education inthe School Curriculum and sports as anextra curricular activity (Nteere, 1982).There is also evidence that colonialistsmade some contribution towards theestablishment and development of sportingfacilities for the general public as a meansof creating a healthy society (Krotee et al.,1988). The main problems that facedsports at that time included lack ofknowledgeable personnel in PhysicalEducation and Sport, coupled with the factthat the sports were conducted along raciallines (Mazrui, 1986).

Soon after the attainment of independencefrom the British colonial rule in 1963,sports was not included as a priority issueon the development agenda of the post-colonial government. The priority issuesthen were eradication of poverty,improvement of healthcare facilities andexpansion of education. NationalDevelopment Plans in the first decadetherefore, addressed these three mainissues. Although Physical Education was

still retained in the school curriculum,sports in general did not feature as a facetto development.

Though people participated in sports, thiswas to a less extent, and was generallyregarded as a pastime activity and also asan activity for children. Most of the out-of-school sporting activities were run bythe local authorities and voluntarysporting 'clubs and organizations whichfacilitated the participation of a few ofKenya's sportsmen and women in someof the major international sports eventssuch as the Olympic Games, All-AfricaGames and Commonwealth Games.

The few Kenyan athletes who excelled inmajor international competitions in the1960s provided the impetus for increased-interest and participation in sports. Thefew heroes became role models for amajority of Kenyans. Consequently,many Sports Clubs, Federations andOrganizations to manage and administervarious sports disciplines were formedand registered by the Government. TheGovernment, for instance, created theKenya National Sports Council in 1966through an Act of Parliament, and later, afull-fledged Department of Sports in theGovernment in 1989 to oversee sportsmatters in the country. 4

Over the years, there have beentremendous developments of sports inKenya. The popularity has stemmed fromthe understanding of the Government andthe people of Kenya of the role of sportsas a vehicle for national development.Indeed, the contribution of sports towardssocial, economic, cultural and politicaldevelopment of Kenya has been immense.Unfortunately, there has been nopublished study highlighting thisimportant role of sport in Kenya'sdevelopment and the tangiblecontributions that sport has made towardsthe development of the country. It is

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hoped that other than enlightening thepeople of Kenya on the positiverelationship between sports and nationaldevelopment, the paper will also providesome ideas and lessons that could benefitother countries in their efforts to developsports.ORGANIZATION OF SPORTS INKENYAThe structure of sports organization inKenya stretches from the grassroots(village) to the national level (Tirop,1999). Most of the various sportsdisciplines have clubs and NationalFederations, which coordinate theiractivities. The Kenya National SportsCouncil is the umbrella for all the sportsfederations whose main responsibility isto oversee and coordinate the activities ofthe federations. The Department ofSports plays the main role of formulatingand ensuring implementation of thenational policy on Sports. Members ofthe public are also at liberty to form andregister their own sports clubs, most ofwhich affiliate to their respective nationalsports federations and organizations. Thenational sports federations organize theirrespective activities at national levelwhile their branches and sub-branches dothe same at the provincial and districtlevels, respectively (Asembo, 2003;

~ Njororai, 2003).

In general, sports in Kenya is a householdactivity that cuts across the spectrum ofthe population. Opportunities areavailable for those who wish toparticipate in sports. The government,local authorities, institutions of learning,private institutions and firms havedeveloped facilities for various sportsactivities.

CONTRIBUTION OF SPORTS TONATIONAL DEVELOPMENTSport has contributed significantly to thedevelopment of Kenya, though it is notpossible to exhaustively quantify all the

aspects of the development (Tirop, 1999).Sport has effectively served as a catalystto develop in the social, economic,political, educational and health aspectsof the country. According to Mahlmann,Asembo and Korir, (1993). Kenya'ssecond National Development Plan(1970-1974) emphasized the values ofparticipation in sports as: physical fitness,good health, nation building, cooperation,capacity for excellence and positiveimage abroad.

SPORTS AND ECONONUCDEVELOPMENT IN KENYAThere is no doubt that sport hascontributed immensely towards economicdevelopment of Kenya. The fact thatsport is one of the biggest economicindustries in the country is not a subjectof debate. Like other commodities, sporthas been a commodity that is produced,marketed and sold to the public(McPherson, Curtis & Loy, 1989).

Due to the popularity of sport in Kenya,many commercial organizationsGin thecountry have been keen on !dv~ngand marketin their . esthrough sportin actrvines. Thecommercial organizations spent millionsof shillings through advertisements andsponsorships of sport events, therebyenabling them to maximize profitsthrough increased sales of their productsand services.

Over the years, sport has opened upemployment opportunities in Kenya'sprivate and public sectors for variouscadres of sports personnel. Indeed,according to Achola and Njororai, (1999),sports provide an outlet for economicsurvival fo a participant in terms ofgetting a jo or even earning a livingdirectly from match allowances. ManyKenyan professional sportsmen andsportsw men have continued to earn theirlivelihood from their pursuit of sport as

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their sole career within and outside thecountry. The Ministry in charge of sportshas over two hundred personnelemployed in various capacities, most ofwhom include directors of sports, sportsofficers, stadium managers and theirsupport personnel who perform officechores (Njiru & Nyagah, 1988). TheMinistry responsible for Education hasprovision for the positions of Inspectorsof Schools from the grassroots, District,Provincial and National levels, most ofwhom are deployed to coordinateextramural sporting activities ininstitutions of learning. Sports andGames tutors are employed in theUniversities to coordinate sportingactivities in the Universities. The KenyaInstitute of Education, which isresponsible for the development of schoolcurricular for schools and TeacherTraining Colleges has a panel of physicaleducators and sports personnel whodevelop physical education curricular.The Kenya Army, Police, Prisons,National Youth Service, etc. giveimmense recognition to sports talent andachievement, and hence, use it as one ofthe criteria for recruitment of officers intotheir ranks. Several governmentparastatals that are actively involved insporting activities have fairly wellestablished sports facilities andorganization in which many people areemployed as sports and RecreationalManagers, coaches, and trainers.Outstanding of these include the KenyaPower Lighting Company, KenyaPipeline Company, Kenya PortsAuthority, National Cereals and ProduceBoard, Coffee Board of Kenya, KenyaSugar Authority, Kenya Posts andTelecommunications, National SportsOrganizations and so on.The production of sporting goods hasbeen a rapidly growing industry in Kenya.Much of the sports wear and equipmentthat are manufactured in Kenya aremarketed and sold within and outside the

country. The sports products havetherefore, been an important element increation of employment opportunities forlocal people and trade between Kenya andother countries. Many job seekerseventually secure employmentopportunities in the sport goodsmanufacturing firms and others end up assalesmen in the many sport shops invarious urban centers of the country.Sports houses such as Nairobi SportsHouse, Olympic Sports Centre, etc. areprominent outlets employing a number ofpeople.

Kenya, being a developing countryrequires the necessary infrastructure toaccelerate her development process.Sport has effectively catalyzed thedevelopment of a . number ofinfrastructure in the various comers of thecountry. Each of the eight provinces hasa stadium whose development hasencompassed the development of related'infrastructure. Roads, telephone linespower lines, hotels, health centers, policeposts, shops and water supply facilitieshave been developed to serve the stadiaand people living within the environs.

The building and maintenance of variousfacilities for competitive and recreationalsports has constituted a large industry thatemploys architects, engineers, managersand labourers (McPherson, Curtis andLoy, 1989). In recognition of the need forpeople to engage in recreational activitiesafter routine work, for instance, manyprivate and public commercialorganizations have set up recreationalfacilities such as stadia, swimming pools,tennis courts and fitness facilities to caterfor their employees' sporting andrecreational needs. Quite a significantnumber of people are employed in thesports and recreational facilities to carryout maintenance and sports/recreational-related work.

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Sport has also played a role in thepromotion of the tourist industry inKenya. Since the country has had the

~t,}t)chances of hosting major internationalsport events, many visitors have had theopportunity to tour the country. Thehosting of the 4th All-Africa Games inNairobi in 1987, for instance, was a majormilestone in attracting tourists to thecountry. The commendable performanceof Kenya's middle and distance athletesin international competitions over theyears has contributed immensely towardsthe influx of foreigners to the countrywhose main aim has been to interminglewith the athletes heroes, competealongside them and or learn from them.According to McPherson, Curtis and Loy(1989), the influx of such visitorsstimulates the local economy, particularlyfor hotels, bars and restaurants, taxis andother retail businesses. Visitors stimulatethe economy through a multiplier effectas well, that is, for every new dollar spentby a visitor, a certain percentage of thatdollar is spent four to six times in thecommunity by local employers andemployees.

Due to the large following that sportenjoys in' Kenya, many wealthyindividuals and commercial organizationshave been keen on identifying with it soas to enhance their popularity andmaximize their profits respectively.Wealthy and influential people havesupported and patronaged talentedsportsmen and sportswomen, andsponsored various sporting activities as away of getting recognized and gainingpopularity among their communities. ..,.Such support has enabled many ofKenya's athletes to advance their prowessand consequently win medals andrecognition for the country. Sponsorshipsfrom commercial organizations like theKenya Breweries Limited, OserianFastac, Nzoia Sugar Company and manyothers, have not only assisted in

promoting sport in the country but alsoalleviated poverty among a few sportspersonnel in the country. The sportspersonnel have therefore, beenempowered to contribute to thedevelopment of the country in their ownvarious ways (Tirop, 1999).

SPORTS AND SOCIALDEVELOPMENT IN KENYAAs observed by Mazrui (1986), sport hasmade an indelible mark as a tool ofsocialization and reflection of the cultureof the people. This observation is indeeda true reflection of the social developmentthat sport has brought to Kenya. Sport isreco . ed as a symbol of nationafUllitin the coun ince Kenya has a total of42 ethnic groups, as well as people ofdiverse religions and racial backgrounds,sport has rightly acted as a tool forintegration and co-existence of the people(Njiru & Nyagah, 1988). Whenever localteams com ete a ainst foreign on~,Kenyans, regardless of ethnic racial andreligions -differences, come together-insolidarity to support their teams. Suchsolidarity is good as it enables people towork harmoniously towards commongoals. It brings about understandingamong the people and appreciation of oneother, thereby creating opportunity forthem to pull together in matters ofdevelopment (Tirop, 1999; Tulner et. al.,1992).

Kenya's sportsmen and sportswomenhave played a leading and to some extent,unrivalled role of bringing aboutpopularity and pulllicity of the country onthe international scene. This aspect ofdevelopment directly reflects the thinkingof Adolf Hitler, the leader of the GermanyNazi Party, who had hoped to winpopularity and superiority of his partyfrom anticipated victory in the 1936Otymkllc Games but the victory was neverrealized (Tulloh, 1982). The aspect ofsport as a tool of bringing about national

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popularity and recognition is one aspectof social development which has broughtpride and international recognition toKenya. Indeed, arising from thenumerous successes registered byKenya's sportsmen and sportwomen since1956, when Kenya participated for thefirst time in the Olympic Games, thecountry has received a lot of recognitionfrom other countries of the world(Bhushan, 1988). Indeed Kenya has beendescribed as a "Superpower" in thesporting world based on her athletes'commendable performances in the middleand long distance races (GOK 2003). Inaddition to this, the ceremonialpresentation of medals to Kenya'ssportsmen and sportswomen followingtheir victories at international sportsevents has helped a great in exposing thename of the country to the rest of theworld.

Sport has effectively provided an avenuethrough which the people of Kenyaexpress and preserve their culturalheritage. This phenomenon is rightlyemphasized by Mazrui (1986) whoobserved that sport in African was linkedto indigenous culture. The traditionalinitiation into manhood, for instance, wasindinguishable into warrior status, whichis also associated with the masculinityand prowess associated with modemsport. Modem sporting activities such aswrestling, dancing, swimming, trackrunning and horse-racing are considered apreservation and extension of similar'indigenous sports which found expressionin various forms such as mock-fights,drumming and singing, animal-backriding, hunting and swimming activitiesin rivers and streams (Stuart, 1993).Modem sport in Kenya is closelyassociated with traditional beliefs andpractices of the indigenous people:traditional dances, songs, warrior or war-like activities, magic and superstitiousacts which characterize Africa's culture

are common phenomena, and findexpression at sport events in Kenya.

SPORT AND POLITICALDEVELOPMENT IN KENYAThe relationship between sport andpolitics has been one of the most enduringand pervasive aspect in Kenya. Just asthe governments of the ancient city-statesof Greece used sport to enhance thefitness of their citizens for war and todemonstrate their superiority over othercity-states as claimed by McPherson,Curtis & Loy, (1989), there has been nomuch departure from this practice inKenya. Sport has continued to play an 1invaluable role of enhancing politicaltranquility in Kenya. It has been a neutraltool of minimizing political tension anddifferences, thereby, paving the way forcollective effort towards the developmentof the various sectors of the country.Sport enjoys a great deal of followingamong people across the political groups,and sports events have served as suitabl~fora were eo Ie of diverse oliticalaffiliation conver _e to share fun.Politicians have also continuouslycapitalized on the popularity of sport inthe country to sell their political anddevelopment agenda to their electoratesand also stage their political campaigns(Njiru & Nyagah, 1988). Indeed, asubstantial number of the most prominentpoliticians in Kenya are known to haveused sport as a springboard into theirpolitical careers including Joab Omino,Martin Shikuku, Chris Obure, amongothers (Njiru & Nyagah, 1988).

The success of Kenya's sportsmen andwomen in international sports events hasearned pride, brought recognition and asense of identity to the country and itscitizens. Tulloh (1982) acknowledgesthat the success attained by renownKenyan athletes, for example, Kip Keino,Naphtali Temu and Amos Biwott at theOlympic Games has been a great source b

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of national feelings of pride, superiority,greatness and conquest. This success hasbeen directly linked with perceivedsuperior political institutions andgovernance of the country. The hoistingof Kenya's flag following victory atinternational sports tournaments IS

conceived as a great symbol ofsovereignty of the country. Theimpressive performance of Kenya'sathletes have earned further recognitionfor the country through the election andappointment of some of the athletes,officials of national sports federations andorganizations to key positions of theregional, continental and internationalsports federations and organizations,including the International OlympicCommittee. In addition, the country isfrequently accorded the most covetedinternational recognition and honor ofhosting some of the major regional,continental and international sportscompetitions, arising from her athletes'successes, unwavering support andparticipation in similar competitionshosted in the other comers of the world.

Kenya's sportsmen and women destinedfor international sports assignments haveoften been described as the country's"good ambassadors" (Mukora, 1998).They "tell" the world about their countrythrough their participation andperformance in the internationaltournaments. They have contributedimmensely in selling, and providingpublicity to the name of the country onthe international scene.

SPORT AND EDUCATIONDEVELOPMENT IN KENYASport has made tremendous contributiontowards the development of education inKenya. Quite a significant number ofKenya's outstanding sportsmen andwomen have received scholarships tofurther their studies as they pursue theirsport careers. A number of the athletes

have earned opporturutres to study inAmerica such as 1972 800m bronzemedallist, Dr. Mike Boit; 1988 800mgold medallist Peter Ereng; 1988 1500mgold medallist Peter Rono, among others,Europe and South Africa (Tirop, 1999).In relation to this aspect of educationaldevelopment, Tulloh (1982), states thus:

"Success in the Games (Olympics) can be of greathelp to a person in his education. A lot of theathletes in America, Africa and Australia havereceived scholarships because of their success inthe Games. My friend, Mike Boit (a Kenyan), wasoffered a scholarship to an American Universityand has been able to study for a Universitydegree. Because of Mike Boit's achievements,several other Kenyans have gone to AmericanUniversities". (p. 64)

A number of organizations that workhand in hand with some Kenyan athleteshave assisted in funding learning andresearch institutions in Kenya. A numberof s s aanizations and indivi ualathletes have also ut up pnvate schools~hich make u lit edUcation accessibleto many Kenyan ouths. Examples ofthese inc ude the legendary Kenyanathlete, Kipchoge Keino, who operates anultra-modem institution of learning inEldoret that caters for many Kenyan ~youths; the Mathare Youth Sports \Association (MYSA) which bringstogether a large number of street and slum

t .children also runs an extensrveeducational programme. The MoiInternational Sports Centre which is thelargest modern sports facility in thecountry also accommodates an upcomingNational Sports Institute whose conceivedmission is to train sports manpower.Physical Education and Sport is part of thenational educational curricular. ThroughPhysical Education and Sport, youngpeople are inducted into leading active andhealthy lifestyles. Indeed, the emphasis onPhysical Education and Sport for life inschools is one of the most importantcontributions of the sport sciences to the

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future well being of a nation. (Noakes,2002). Additionally, through PhysicalEducation and Sport in schools, childrenhave an opportunity to develop theirpersonality, talent, mental and physicalabilities to their fullest potential.(Deventer, 2002).

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORTAND HEALTH IN KENYAKenya has been active in developing andexpanding sports for all as a major steptowards enhancing the health of hercitizens. Such efforts have been reflectedin the preservation and development ofsports facilities in most of the corners ofthe country to encourage mass sportsparticipation. In addition, the governmenthas provided a conducive environment forthe establishment of health and recreationclubs in most of the urban centers in thecountry. The accessibility to sports andsporting facilities including the health andfitness clubs, for instance, is considered aright, rather than a privilege to everycitizen. This phenomenon has definitelycontributed to the enhancement of thehealth and productivity of the population.

Involvement in sporting activities isbeneficial in keeping people busy duringtheir leisure times, thereby keeping themaway from undesirable activities such asvandalism, social immorality, drug abuse,alcoholism and the like, which aredetrimental to national development(Tirop, 1999). Despite the popularity ofsports across the country, it is vital topoint out that there is still room forimprovement. There is need to promotePhysical Education and Sport in allinstitutions of learning as well as masssports festivals in communities.According to Noakes (2002), "Sincegovernments are beginning to realize thatprevention of chronic illness is cheaperthan its treatment, there is no better timethan the present to activate a new, morestrident approach to enhance sport" (p.7)

CONCLUSIONFrom the foregoing, it is clear that therehas been a positive relationship betweensports and socia-economic, political andcultural development in Kenya. To keepup the spirit of competitive andrecreational sports as a vehicle fornational development, all aspects thataffect and influence the promotion ofsport needs to be adequately addressed.This includes the inevitable need forpreservation and development of sportsfacilities, training of sports manpower andprovision of the necessary financialsupport.

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