2030 FIFA World Cup - Kenya 's Time ?

All protocols observed,gentlemen and the single lady representing FIFA, we the Government of Kenya wish to submit our bid for the 2030 World Cup. As Africa's second time, we believe we have the right to showcase our ability and to ensure we successfully host this once-in-a-lifetime (...twice now for Africa) tournament.
Distinguished guests, having satisfied various indicators from economic,financial and related factors; we wish to present the following 7 points as our support case.
Super-duper Highways

It must not escape your attention that we have a few years left and we have already accomplished over 95% of the Vision 2030 as set forth by our beloved 3rd Pres of the Republic. Thus are the major strides we have made;

A) Vision 2030 - this economic plan developed by a think-tank back in the later 2000s, has become one of the leading economic blueprints across Africa and indeed across the world. Countries which have recently followed our path have moved from Third World countries to Emerging Economies. As mentioned earlier, we are well ahead of schedule having consistently achieved over 10% growth rate in our GDP (check with IMF, World Bank and the most recent Inter-Continental Financial Magnates- ICFM figures). Indeed it shall be a culmination of this landmark plan & a celebration of what human effort can do with the right focus and vision from a people.

B)State-of-the-art Infrastructure : - looking at our investment on roads and related infrastructure, and with the kind help of our Chinese brothers; we have developed what maybe considered one of Africa's brand spanking roads.

We have also gotten our stadiums built to specifications that would make the Maracana Stadium look like a speck.With sophisticated arenas like the one we have along our coastline, we shall show the world what you never saw (or if you did, make your experience in Africa a premier class one). This has been the efforts of our very own Sports Stadium Management Board which is currently being consulted by the Japanese and German engineers on how they achieved this in the most astounding of engineering feats.

C) Governance :- Noting we have celebrated 20 years since we ushered in a new constitutional disposition, we have become a model nation for many a country across the continent. We have seen smooth transition of successive governments which has seen each compliment the other and continue in the 'nyayo' building blocks for our economic prosperity and serve as an 'island of peace & haven for investors'.

D) Strategic location :- Smack in the middle of the globe, we have the Equator ( 0"- latitude) running across the nation. This makes ours some of the most pleasant you could get anywhere in the world. It is the reason we have had some of the best hotels and game reserves as nature interacts with our modern infrastructure. Where else can you get wild game in its natural habitat and cities-within-cities? As you may well know we have Africa's only peak on right at the Equator with plenty of snow for those visiting from the Scandinavian countries and Eastern European regions. Plenty are the ski resorts that our visitors from these regions can enjoy.

E)Cosmopolitan centres - from Kisumu - Lakeside city,to what some call the 'Birmingham of Kenya' or 'Pineapple City' - Thika as well as the lash green area in Marsabit and our golden sandy beaches of Mombasa and Malindi, we have more than enough cities to host this colossal tournament. We have great grounds as mentioned above, electric over-head and undergrounds rails, 24-hour economic centres and more than we can mention, do come to Kenya and experience it yourself!

F)ICT - having successfully outdone the original Silicon Valley, we have managed to bring the ICT sector and currently host it in our model city of Athi (not a corruption of the word 'Earthy'). Many of the start-ups from the Silicon Valley moved their operational bases to this location along with others which have developed thanks to our innovative populace. If you do remember, as far back as the early 2000s we pioneered the mobile money transfer, the open source system for cloud-sourcing crisis information, the iHub thus attracted by our pedigree,we have most of the major companies listed not just on the German DAX, New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, Tokyo Stock Exchange and our own Nairobi Stock Exchange - the largest stock exchange in Africa in terms of capitalisation and listed companies.

G)Kenya Football scene - thanks again to your able leadership at FIFA we managed to streamline the football scene in the country back in 2010. We developed a homegrown league in the Kenya Premier League and in 7 years was attracting talent from across the globe with some the biggest names then playing in Europe ( from England's Theo Walcott, Spain's Xavi and Argentina's Lionel Messi) being among the first to play for our teams. We currently contributed over 25% of all players playing in the forthcoming 2026 World Cup and this is likely to go up on confirmation of our bid. Our able partners in this have been SuperSport which has built an out-of-this-world broadcasting centre in readiness of the 2030 World Cup.

Our esteemed hosts,we seek your indulgence and consider these as our main highlights and hope to influence your thinking as you vote for the host of the 2030 World Cup. Indeed...This is Africa, Our Africa !

2010 Africa Athletics Championships : AK, PLEASE GET SERIOUS !

Kenyan athletics has for the longest time remained one of the most successful sports discipline in the country and with this comes the added bonus of prosperity and expectations. Being managed by one of the richest (if not the richest) sports body in the country, it is thus a joke to find it hard to get things rolling for the continental championships to be hosted in Nairobi July 28th - August 1st 2010.
The team headed by the current chair who's served for the longest time ever can do better than it currently is.
According to media reports, our own prominent athlete Paul Tergat has asked the Local Organising Committee led by its CEO David Okeyo - who also doubles up as the AK's Secretary General - to redouble their efforts for putting up a worthy show in the next 2 months.
That they usually reprimand organisers of local athlete meets and roadshows is sure the standard they can set for themselves. The goodwill enjoyed from most corporate organisations, the Government and the Sports Stadia Management Board (that which has been dithering though in renovating Nyayo Stadium - venue of the championships)is enough to put something respectable in place.
They also have the experience of hosting the annual cross-country events and national trials which are good testing grounds. AK also successfully hosted the 2007 World Cross-Country Championships.
That said, they can always seek the Paul Tergats and Martin Keinos of this world who have over the years shown proficiency in managing athletics brands and events. The annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards -SOYA's such a case.
Get working people and DON'T let us down!
You can follow African Athletics here.

Mariga makes cameo appearance as Inter shield Barcelona from UEFA Champions League Final

For what was billed as the battle between the 'Special One' on the pitch (Lionel Messi) and the 'Special One' off the pitch & on the touchline ( Jose Mourinho), the latter endured to end the misery of losing at the semi-final stages (previously with Chelsea) and take I Nerazzurri into the Final of UEFA Champions League ( this year being played on May 22nd a Saturday due to the 2010 World Cup).
The Kenyan football fan had a unique opportunity to see one of their own playing at a UEFA Champs game and though it was a cameo appearance, it was enough to turn our patriotic selves into rapturous cheer...well forgive the Catalans and the beautiful game ( Arsenal - English club cited to play a similar game suffered at their hands - so fair game !)

Images courtesy of Inter Milan's website

Now isn't Mourinho just the hero for sneaking in and taking our classy midfielder and most likely turning him into a world-class act. We said so in a previous post here. The Nerazzurri gave Real Madrid players, Guti & Ronaldo something to smile about and save them the nightmare of seeing their arch-rivals play at their home pitch in the Final.
Read some real jewels from the post-match press conference by Jose Mourinho here.
Can't wait for the 22nd of May as we hope to see our own take on German Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and seemingly start as favourites to win the trophy.

Sports Stadia and Ministry of Sport among worst performers in Kenyan Government Performance Index

That Sports Stadia Management Board was ranked as one of the worst performing Government parastatals by the Government of Kenya performance index is not a wonder to many a sports fan or enthusiast. Download the report here.
Along with this is the fact that the line Ministry also performed poorly pulling at the 39th out of 43 Ministries (...what a waste!) which signed to the Public Service Performance Contracts. With the Ministry being charged with the sports department dithering in management of major sports associations and missing the opportunities among others;

a) Football - not sorting out the wrangles that couple the football bodies portending to run the game in the country. Right now FIFA's trying to extend some diplomacy by offering KFF and FKL an amicable way of running the game. If you ask me, if we keep waiting for the FIFA far and Ms. Minister you have the chance to redeem our game.
b) Athletics - that we are hosting the African Athletics Championships is bound to be giving a boost to the local athletes but alas I read a different script. With no prize money and the Athletics Kenya still dragging its feet in managing the event, we are most likely to get our elite athletes missing the event of one or the other reason. If the Government can raise the profile of the event as well as commit more funds to the association and also insist on a reflection of changing times and tact in Athletics Kenya, we might be able to fend off competition from our northern neighbours, Ethiopia as well as North Africans. You can read what success Jamaica has with its athletes in the sprints.
c) Sports Stadia Management - having a fully fledged parastatal since 2003, we thought things looked up for hosting major events in the country in the next few years. True we can't expect miracles within 5-6 years but then again, when a Government Ministry decides to cross swords with corporates for the petty reason of 'preserving our heritage', we shall have monuments of shame. How now do you decide to renovate your prized stadium when the world's coming to Africa, is beyond me
d) Sports Policy Document - we still don't have a sports policy document, detailing how we can make the best of sports in the country. From investing in infrastructure to tax holidays for investors in sports and setting curriculum for sports business and sports psychology are issues we can outline in such a document. Not that there is not one in place, with a bit of haste and consultations we can get to rival South Africans and other African countries who know what sport can do to a nation. From golf, rugby, athletics and football, the list is endless in where we can lead potential local and foreign investors. Do you know your Ministry's easily one of the highest in foreign exchange remittances thanks to our winning athletes and sports personalities?

Addressing some of these issues will ensure you improve your lot in next year's ranking. Ms. Minister do us THAT FAVOUR please !

Kenya Football Woes: Ain't bought that yet ....

Following what one FIFA official reportedly said as having resolved the KFF and FKL issue, I ain't bought on that cr**! As they await the case to be resolved before the Court of Arbitration on who should run Kenyan football next week, the feebled FKL officials led by Mohammed Hatimy and his side-kick Titus Kasuve have been sending olive branches to the KFF 'officials' led by Sam Nyamweya.


No Bullshit !



Now I don't know which devil to support but the situation needs to be resolved urgently. Here's why;



1. 2010 World Cup - Missed opportunities - from missing the qualification and the coaching debacle that occasioned this. They have also not acted in the best interests misinforming the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs to undertake repairs to Kenya's premiere sports venue, Kasarani Sports Centre. How now do you do this when the world is coming to Africa?
2. FIFA Goal Project (Youth Development Programme) - Office upon office has been telling us how they will work with the youth programmes through the FIFA Goal project. Last year we missed the grant again ,thanks to the FKL officials
3. Kenya Premier League - this is our only hope for now but the vested interests in the boardrooms might spill into the field. The latest is the refereeing scandal which saw a nervy game between Tusker FC and Gor Mahia end in a draw with both sides having shown indiscipline to warrant severe punishment. That players and officials alike can walk into a game when and if they feel like is an abomination in any league worth its salt. KPL should be no exception!
Plus what SuperSport and other major corporates have invested can not go down the drain in such stupid fashion.

If the likes of Mariga and Oliech are making it through the European Leagues, it should be because of their own drive and lots of passion to the game. But if we can clean up our act soonest, I don't see why we should have a whole first 11 Kenyans playing for various leagues in Italy, France,Spain or even England ! Till then, FIFA please stop playing to the gallery!

Bamburi Super Series starts

For you rugby fan, the last many weekends have been quite eventful leading to the final of the Kenya Cup. As if that's not enough, the Rugby Super Series proudly sponsored by Bamburi Cement as title sponsors starts this weekend.
Action shall be in 3 East African cities with the 1st Match pitting the SDV Transami Cheetahs v/s Lions which shall also be screened live on SuperSport Live from 1400hrs local time.
The other games have;
Rhinos v/s Buffaloes - RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Twigas v/s Sharks - Friedkin RC, Arusha Tanzania
Rwenzori v/s Victoria - Kampala RUFC, Kampala Uganda

For more interesting insights on these games visit, www.rugbykenya.blogspot.com for the live updates and coverage of the games. Surely hope this helps mould a worthy 15-a-side team to rival the 7-a-side team which is currently riding the populist wave.

Kenyan "Superstars" at the London Marathon

Thanks to the volcanic ash from the Icelandic islands, our Kenyan athletes have attracted added interest and given the London Marathon the intended PR they invested in. Yes they put their money where their mouths are, paying $230,000 to get the elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

This year's title sponsors are Virgin Group of Companies through its Virgin Money brand. They even have a branded website for the London Marathon. The company's known for not shuddering among sports disciplines and is always on the look-out for major sports sponsorship opportunities. They will hold title naming rights till 2014.
Kenya holds a special place in this marathon dating back to the 1989 victory of the first Kenyan to win a World Athletics Champions gold medal in the marathon, Douglas Wakiihuri - remembered best for his white gloves thanks to the dreary weather conditions in the city. Kenya has also been winning the men's race since 2004 when Evans Rutto set the pace and opened doors for 3-time winner Martin Lel, 2006 winner Felix Limo and reigning champ Samuel Wanjiru, who remains the man to beat as reported on UniversalSport.com - find list of previous winners here.
The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors which features; Boston,London,Berlin, Chicago & New York marathons. Come watch our Kenyan contingent in the race pitted to raise the temperatures around breezy London.Catch the marathon live on SuperSport 1 on Sunday between 0945-1400, Central African Time.

Brand Kenya : Thinking of Ideas? Open Your Eyes !

Over the last few months, Brand Kenya & Kenya Tourism Board has made some efforts in trying to promote the country as an ideal destination for tourists from Europe and other continents.

I've even seen a flash ad on the BBC Website as well as the Magical Kenya one which even appeared on CNN which some critiques have commented on.
While all this is well-intentioned and may serve a certain number of interested parties, I'd wish to refer them to a survey they did some few days ago saying Kenyan athletes are the best for our country's image ?
Well RIGHT THERE ! You have your answer !
Why can't those who seek to promote the country think of selling our country during the major races in the cities of Madrid, Paris, London and Boston? They can sponsor a section of the race or put a 25-30 sec ad during the race (most of which are covered live across major TV channels and other terrestrial networks). Even better they can have the respective ambassadorial and diplomatic offices seek some placement before or after the race to sell some of their agenda or brand the events - sports branding.
How ideal it would be since you are almost always assured that a Kenyan will win the race or be among the top 3. When our brothers placed 2nd-5th on this year's Paris Marathon, our own ambassador Elkanah Odembo was among the fans cheering and was emblazoned in Kenyan colours and had also handed out Kenyan flag-lets to Kenyans and fans along the way. It was a joy watching the cameras capture our few minutes of glory.
What more, what happens when our boys are playing in the IRB circuit across the world? Hey maybe they have not thought of it that way but you'll have more than enough to do and the savings from having to send all the entourages across the globe. Wishful thinking ???

Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot wins Boston but Kenyan athletes may suffer losses

Thanks to our sportsmen we breath a sigh of relief again as the media is peppered by verbal diarrhoea and the tempers start rising thanks to the intended referendum mid this year.
One Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot ran the race of his life to win the Boston Marathon in race record. We congratulate him on this mean achievement. His is a worthy victory and firmly puts Kenya once again on the map.
On another note though, concerns have been raised about Kenyan athletes missing out on major races coming up in Europe in the next few weekends. The London Marathon comes to mind as well as the soon-to-continue Grand Prix in Europe. The earnings from our athletes is something that has been overlooked for many years but one which plays into our remittances from abroad. As much as $100,000 could be lost in a single weekend's missed earnings and endorsements as well as appearance fees.

Visit the North Rift Valley and you'll know what I'm talking about. Various options are being explored with some athletes thinking of taking shorter flights to North Africa where they can take the road into Europe.
It seems the volcanic ash was finally going to hurt us too. Talk about 'globalisation'.

Quick Update:
London Marathon organisers make arrangements for Kenyan athletes to be airlifted. Guess we do matter after all !

Kenya's only semblance of a Sports FM Station falters

Maybe it's me or has the media scene in Kenya been reduced to a duopoly? What's even more depressing is the fact that what was almost an exclusive sports FM radio station, Radio Jambo 97.5 has changed editorial policy. They say, it's in line with the 'market needs and advertisers interests'.
Although much of the editorial stuff was foreign-based with the most coming from the European football scene, I'd think the station would have done better if they decided to focus on more local sports news and live coverage.
Talking about live coverage, could the partnership with DStv, Radio Africa (Jambo FM's parent company) & KBC have informed the decision to reduce their content? Right now Jambo FM sounds like it's trying to replicate what other stations such as Q FM ( Nation's Swahili station), Milele FM and Radio Citizen are doing. Anyone trying to maintain standards or is it free-fall there? Their presenters needed a class or two on professional coverage and reporting.
For any future investors in media and especially sports-related in Kenya or indeed in Africa, please do your legwork and background checks REALLY well. It's sad that when the 2010 World Cup is setting foot in Africa, we are turning things for the worst. Or can SuperSport make it's way into radio? Maybe, just maybe someone is listening...
For a full list of Kenyan FM radio stations check here.

Dennis Mwanja's Back !

One of Kenya's celebrated rugby heroes is back in the game. Dennis Mwanja ( he should carry the nickname 'The Menace' better than the other Dennis Oliech !) was selected by the Kenya Rugby Union to be part of the team as they continue with the IRB Series in Adelaide, Australia and Hong Kong.
Recovering from an injury which threatened his career and also one which took too long, it is kudos for the KCB club and the others who aided in his comeback. Special mentions he made to Edward Rombo - one of the pioneers of professional rugby in Kenya. Let's see what edge he provides to the team as they look to move beyond the current ranking of 6th position in the IRB Circuit 2010 Series. For more on this, check out www.rugbykenya.blogspot.com !
You can also watch a video of Kenyan team warming up and working the crowd into a frenzy. They are one of the biggest crowds' favourites in the Series!

Telkom Kenya to sponsor City club

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Telkom Kenya has decided to get into the local football scene foray and sponsor a city club. Speculation states the club in question is City Stars and the amount though not confirmed will range between KShs. 10-15 million - given other sponsors have been pledging similar amounts.
Another plus for the local football scene and another challenge for local clubs to better manage their teams to engage in constructive discussions with corporate firms. Who's next ?

Another Sponsorship Deal in the Works ...

Word has it that a Kenyan football club - City Stars is about to secure sponsorship of some few millions from a local telco company. The world of football is surely getting interest in this side of the world. Hope this goodwill's going to uplift the game's standards and move the clubs to better positions locally and regionally. More details as they unfold.

Sports Clubs - Institutional clubs, Community-driven or Tribal Affairs?

In the last few months, I have been feeding off comments and conversations about the need for sports clubs and more specifically football clubs to embrace ‘tribal’ outfits (for lack of a better word).
My dilemma though is that are we trying to re-live past days or create rivalries? Again what informs the decision is it the competitive nature or just some misinformed session? There is also the reasoning around the need for communities (read tribes) to rally behind their own.


Tanzanian football club Simba Union

Given the small matter of the 2007/8 election debacle I would trend on this one carefully. There is the perception that football thrives from certain parts of the country. True, but really wholly scientific.
In my humble opinion the clubs should be developed by the communities around them. What do I mean? For instance, we have areas such as Kawangware, Kangemi, Huruma, Spring Valley, Madaraka, Kileleshwa, and many more. The residents around these areas can develop football clubs right from the under 9 , under 13, under 15 and so on.
Structures such as we have with the Ligi Ndogo and what the Super Eight Tournament is trying to do should help. Then these can conglomerate around a common channel by having mini-tournaments and the winning team(s) be awarded.
Using Nationwide League and KPL these should then go up the ranks to eventually play at the top League. Of course some of these things are happening but not with the focus and the direction they ought to take.
Youth centres and clubs should be developed using the CDF funds and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports which were intended for football in the 2008/9 Budget estimates. The long-abandoned FIFA Goal Project’s funds can also be secured and grants offered to the clubs displaying the best management skills.
Eventually these should be monitored on a regular basis and the wealth of talent brought to a common pool for the national teams which then train and meet on a regular basis.
Of course the clubs can also prepare business plans in consultation with the experts and the corporate world which is slowly starting to appreciate the potential of sports marketing. This can be done on an annual or semi-annual basis. This way clubs would be forced to prepare financial reports and potential suitors to conduct due diligence before making any commitment to the sporting outfits.
This can be replicated in other sporting disciplines such as rugby, basketball, and handball and as maybe pursued.
A line of contention is of course the institutional clubs from corporate firms which feel they can sponsor individuals from their companies to play in a team. This is usually tricky given the fluid nature of company management in most corporate firms and parastatals alike.

We also know what happens when the management changes hands and one top manager doesn’t find sense in sponsoring sports. Others would use the oft-made statement of rationalising, scaling down or whatever jargon tickles your fancy.
As the sporting season heats up in the local scene, let’s see what unfolds as the year trudges on. There are definitely interesting times ahead, but let’s be rational more than emotive which is not easy in sports!

Kenyan Football :- Back to the Doldrums

Earlier this year, I had done a post on Kenyan football and it's perceived comeback on the continental scene. But all this has been undone by the weekend fixtures which effectively means our local teams can only wait for the CECAFA Club tournament to make any meaningful contribution to the football scene beyond our borders.
This is tragic given the amount of investment that has been streaming in thanks to the good work by SuperSport ( and no , they are not paying us to blow the horn for them). KPL- which manages the Kenyan Premier league has given its fair share too but not without its shortcomings.
The real culprit though especially for one of the clubs, AFC Leopards has been its management team.
- How do you employ a person only to pressure him when they have managed only one game?
- What measures did you have in place to challenge the continental onslaught since you had over 3 months to prepare for this?
- How do you entrust a management team which has no wherewithal to finance the team even if they have to dip into their pockets? (I'm made to understand the team got its air tickets to Ethiopia on Friday evening from a prominent politician who's leveraging himself using the team)
- There is a whole season to play for. Do you have the funds and the structures to be able to ensure the team plays for top honours?
- Do we have a technical training institute for football tacticians or do we wait for retired footballers to come into the scene and claim to know a thing or two about football?
- Youth academies, how many local clubs have these in place ?

If we dare answer some of these questions, we can spare the blushes next year to at least see one of our teams feature in the African Champions League. As for now, it's back to the local stadiums and the usual English and other European leagues on TV. Sad if I must say!