Sports entrepreneurship and African identity, the case of Kenyan athletes migrating to foreign countries

Abstract

Kenya has over time emerged and maintained its identity as a power house in athletics. This has had significant contributions to the economy of the country. It is quite clear that the business is today one of the fastest growing in export category. It is estimated that over 40 Kenyans have "defected" to other nations to run for money. The methodology used is heuristic and literature based. This paper discusses the African Identity and Sports Entrepreneurship. It further discusses the reasons for the change of Nationality and the dilemma that most of these athletes find themselves in. In conclusion the paper proposes that athletes changing Nationality should be understood and not looked at as unpatriotic. They are victims of globalization of athletics, crisis of individuality, nationhood arid identity, in African economic development. Thus, a modality should be established to assist them by especially granting them dual citiienship and making them understand better the political environment of their new nations. Thl government should also provide guidance and framework of operation for the athletes who wish to run for other nations for economic gains.