The delegation of responsibility and empowerment of student sport leaders in kenyan universities the case of sport captains

Abstract

Delegation of responsibility and power within the realm of sport management has long been recognised as one of the most effective ways of ensuring efficient delivery of sport services. Arising from colonial legacy, the use of students as sport captains has been a long established procedure within Kenyan universities. The present and future need of this sport delivery system will continue to increase given the prevailing small ratio of sport administrators against the huge population of students. This paper analyses the general role of student sport leaders at the universities, the system used in their appointment, orientation, inservicing and evaluation. Focus is also directed at delegation of responsibilities and empowerment of sport captains as depicted within democratic style of leadership. Given the arising shortcomings in the use of student sport leadership delivery system, the paper makes recommendations related to improving the appointment, inservicing and evaluation procedures of sport captains within Kenyan universities.