Sports entrepreneurship and African identity, the case of Kenyan athletes migrating to foreign countries
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Date
2007
Authors
Gitau, Florence
Nganga, Stephen
Chesire, Irene
Njoroge, Gitau
Sitati, Noah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
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.
Description
A paper presented during the 7th Association of Third World Studies Conference: Kenya
Chapter at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya held on 16th - 18th May 2007