Technology: The Key to Elevating Sports Excellence in Kenya

At the 2024 Sport Tech Africa Conference held on Tuesday, Kerubo Momanyi, the CEO of Sports Digital Tech, highlighted the transformative role of technology in enhancing sports excellence in Kenya. Momanyi underscored the importance of performance tracking, analytics, and big data as pivotal innovations that can propel Kenyan sports to new heights.

“Technology is the new frontier in sports,” Momanyi declared. “With tools like performance tracking and analytics, we can optimize athlete performance and even tackle challenges like doping through data and statistical analysis.” She emphasized that technology could also support athletes and coaches by providing insights that enhance physical, mental, and psychological preparation.

Momanyi pointed out that the scope of sports technology is vast, encompassing areas such as sports nutrition, sports marketing, and more. She believes that embracing these technologies will allow individuals to contribute to the sports sector in various capacities, thus creating a more inclusive and robust ecosystem.

Dr. Evans Gishugi, the Director of Software, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Digital Economy, echoed Momanyi’s sentiments, adding that technology would also be a catalyst for employment opportunities and support for Kenyan athletes. “The ministry is committed to fostering a sports digital hub that will enhance the live streaming of local matches,” Gishugi noted. “We are dedicated to engaging all sports stakeholders locally and internationally to develop platforms that can be utilized for this purpose.”

Gishugi also highlighted the economic impact of the sports sector in Kenya, noting that the innovation of sports tech is timely and could be instrumental for digital marketing companies in the country. He stressed that fostering strong relationships within the sports community and embracing technological advancements could significantly contribute to the Kenyan economy.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Sasha Mutai expressed concern over the stagnation of Kenyan sports in recent years. However, he pointed out that the KRU has been proactive in adopting technology to improve performance. “One of our key players, John Okoth, suffered an injury, but thanks to digital technology, he is receiving the best care and is on the road to recovery,” Mutai said. He also revealed that the KRU uses drones to track players on the field, alongside cameras with various lenses, to enhance performance analysis.

Mutai’s comments underscore the potential of technology to revolutionize sports in Kenya. By leveraging advanced tools, the KRU aims to set a precedent for other sports organizations in the country to follow. The use of drones and cameras is just one example of how technology can provide actionable insights that lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes.

Dan Shikanda, Chairman of FKF-Premier League club AFC Leopards, also weighed in on the importance of technology in sports. Shikanda, who has faced numerous challenges in managing the club, believes that technology could offer solutions to many of their problems. “When I took over as chairman, we lost sponsor support, making it difficult to manage the club, especially during major tournaments like AFCON,” Shikanda shared. He recounted the financial struggles, including the difficulties in paying players’ salaries, and how he often had to use his own resources to keep the club afloat.

Shikanda is optimistic that the adoption of technology will pave the way for more efficient management of the club. “With this innovation, we can work with stakeholders to create channels that ensure the smooth running of club activities,” he said. This sentiment reflects a broader hope that technology will not only enhance performance on the field but also improve the overall management and sustainability of sports organizations in Kenya.

As technology continues to advance, the sports sector in Kenya stands to benefit immensely. By embracing digital tools, analytics, and performance tracking, Kenyan sports can achieve new levels of excellence, offering athletes, coaches, and stakeholders the resources they need to succeed. The 2024 Sport Tech Africa Conference has made it clear that the future of sports in Kenya is bright, driven by a commitment to innovation and the strategic integration of technology.