Among the many challenges facing the growth of sports in Kenya is inadequate funding for grassroots talent development. Addressing this, needs new impetus since the opportunities that can arise from investing in grassroots talent and sports are manifold.

There’s immense potential for economic growth through sports tourism, merchandising, and the professionalization of sports leagues. Job creation is another significant benefit, with roles ranging from coaching and sports management to fashion, entertainment, marketing, as well as sports health and fitness.

As the breeding ground for talent, grassroots sports also have the power to transform communities by providing a structured outlet for energy and creativity and steering youth away from negative influences that can lead to vices such as under-age pregnancy, drugs, crime, and even mental health issues. Most importantly, grassroots sports can foster a sense of belonging and team work, serving as a beacon of hope and a ladder of opportunity for the majority unemployed youth. It can also help in elevating the country’s status on the international stage.

For instance, Kenya’s globally renowned athletes have consistently shown their dominance on the world stage, in the process inspiring countless young Kenyans to also pursue sports. In this virtuous cycle, where success breeds interest, and interest breeds further success, talent development and recognition is a crucial part of sustaining Kenya’s legacy in not only athletics but other sporting and non-sporting disciplines.

By recognizing the importance of grass-roots sports and taking concrete steps to nurture talent, Kenya can unlock a world of opportunities for its youth and set a precedent for other nations to follow. We therefore have no choice but to support and invest in our young people to continually believe in themselves and their talents.

Whereas the celebration of Kenyan sportsmen and women in the international stage fosters great national pride and unity, stakeholders need to also ensure that this showcase of our collective identity goes hand in hand with attracting resources and securing investments that need to trickle down to the grassroots.

To overcome challenges around limited funding, inadequate infrastructure and even professional management, a multi-faceted approach is necessary to encourage government and private sector collaboration in developing sustainable funding models while mobilizing local communities to support grassroots talent programs through to long-term viability.

A structured talent development regime, well-funded and implemented at the county and sub-county level can ensure the holistic growth and success of young sports professionals into the future. This would allow the many raw talents a platform and opportunity to excel in the various sporting and other non-sporting disciplines including minority sports categories.

The writer is the Director, DBA Africa.