Civic educator calls for Investment in Sports and Talent Development

Nairobi, 

Wednesday, 4 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya is renowned for its vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and rich history, amd and is gradually emerging as a global powerhouse in athletics and sports. 

While our athletes, especially in long-distance running, have brought home countless medals, there remains untapped potential in the sporting sector that could transform not only the lives of young Kenyans but the entire nation’s economy. 

A staunch advocate for this transformation, Morara, a lawyer, activist, politician, and leader of the INJCECT party of Kenya, is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of how Kenya views sports and how players are valued.

Eldoret, a town known as the “Home of Champions,” serves as a living testament to the power of sports in shaping communities. Athletes from Eldoret have risen to prominence globally, with many making headlines for their outstanding performances. However, beyond the accolades and national pride, Morara argues that the real opportunity lies in investing in sports and creating a thriving, sustainable sports ecosystem.

Morara recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Kenyan sports, particularly focusing on the treatment and welfare of players. 

He drew comparisons between Kenyan sports and international standards, highlighting the disparity in terms of compensation, recognition, and opportunities for athletes. 

For instance, players in the English Premier League, widely regarded as one of the best football leagues in the world, are paid millions weekly while Players in the Kenyan Premier League are paid between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 60,000 per month. 

While these figures may seem impressive, Morara points out that Local players are often discarded once they sustain injuries or express grievances about their wages, with no safety net or long-term care.

In contrast, the situation for Kenyan National Super League (NSL) players is even more dire. According to Morara, many of these players, whose talent is often on par with international standards, are paid meager amounts—often no more than Ksh 1,500 to Ksh 3,000 depending on the outcome of a game. 

These athletes, he says, are expected to sacrifice their time, energy, and health in exchange for little to no financial reward, and are given no safety or rehabilitation programs in the event of injury. This system, according to Morara, is a disgrace to the athletes and their talents.

This glaring disparity calls for urgent reform, Morara insists. He proposes that the minimum salary for Premier League football players in Kenya should be set at Ksh 350,000 per month, with additional provisions for incentives and bonuses that reflect the player’s contribution to the team and the sport. 

He believes that sports players should be treated as brands in their own right, with opportunities to secure lucrative advertising deals, sponsorships, and other commercial ventures that align with their personal image and professional achievements.

Morara’s vision for a reformed sports sector doesn’t stop at player salaries. He emphasizes the importance of building sports infrastructure, improving training facilities, and creating an enabling environment for both local and international sports events. 

Through these investments, he envisions a future where sports become a sustainable career choice for young Kenyans, providing them not only with financial rewards but also with long-term security and global recognition.

Kenya’s potential to generate revenue through sports is vast. Similar to how tourism has become a key pillar of the economy, sports, if properly nurtured, could create jobs, boost local businesses, and elevate Kenya's profile on the international stage. With sports tourism, endorsements, broadcasting rights, and event hosting, the country could become a global destination for both athletes and fans.

Morara's call for action extends beyond just the sports industry itself. His message is aimed directly at the youth, encouraging them to view sports not only as a form of entertainment but also as a potential career path that can lead to wealth, fame, and influence. 

As a politician with aspirations to run for president in 2027, Morara is determined to bring the youth along in this vision. His political platform, rooted in economic empowerment and youth development, seeks to elevate the sporting sector as a pillar of national growth.

Kenya's youth, he argues, are its most valuable resource, and sports offers a viable avenue for them to achieve success, wealth, and personal fulfillment. He calls on both the government and the private sector to invest in sports, ensuring that athletes receive the recognition, resources, and compensation they deserve. In doing so, Kenya could create an environment where sports are not only a means of national pride but a source of financial stability for countless families.