welcoming both international brands such as BetWay among others .
Sports betting has indeed affected the way fans interact with their respective sports . We have seen a number of publications publish the long-term effects of betting being equated to gambling . Stories are told of how students in our higher learning institutions in colleges and universities have reduced their indulgence in alcohol and parties to spare monies for sports betting .
Legislative and regulatory bodies have also shone the spotlight on the betting bug and have called or prescribed rules and laws seeking to protect consumers against exploitation . This is still ongoing and is expected to spill over into the next few years . If this will stifle the number of firms ’ emergent in and around the country , it would bode well for the discerning public .
Whatever we say and write , sports betting is firmly with us and is playing an integral part of growing and sustaining sports activities here . With unrushed growth , it could be a blessing to sports in Kenya .
Olympics Games – Higher , Faster , Stronger ! NOC-Kenya - Lower , Slower and Weaker ?
Another of the predictions I ’ d looked at was the Olympics Games . This year ’ s Games were held in the backdrop of many concerns most of which ended up causing much damage to the 2-week event . Kenyan sports personalities put their best foot forward amidst similar challenges surrounding their preparations , camp issues , pay and bonuses delays to mention but a few .
And though our sports personalities managed to put a fairly good performance , it was sad that Kenya is still dependent on a single discipline ( athletics ) to feature and win in such outings . Medals expected from team sports are but a distant reverie for now . What shone both pre and post- Games was the level of ineptitude and sleaze that top officials in sports
‘‘ Unless officials are made to pay for their deeds and a few heads roll within the sports associations , we can be sure that this trend will continue now and in the future . Our sports teams and individuals keep enduring scandal after scandal of officials cutting corners and playing games with monies , kits and related items as they prepare to do national duties . It is about time we bring this to an end !’’
bodies , more so National Olympic Committee-Kenya - have been engaging in . After over-pricing the team ’ s camp preparing for the Games , the officials ended up arriving in Rio a few days ‘ to prepare for the high-level delegation ’ expected during the stay of the Games .
What is sad is the fact that athletes ended up having challenges at camp , with some having to share rooms and space with officials . Having been shone the spotlight for allegations and suspicion of drug use , this only made for bad press for # TeamKenya at the Games .
Worryingly the ineptness and failure of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to act decisively came to show . They are primed to share the Rio Games report findings to the President with a number of top officials arrested or facing charges in court in relation to the fiasco .
Unless officials are made to pay for their deeds and a few heads roll within the sports associations , we can be sure that this trend will continue now and in the future . Our sports teams and individuals keep enduring scandal after scandal of officials cutting corners and playing games with monies , kits and related items as they prepare to do national duties . It is about time we bring this to an end !
Whither 2017 ?
As much as the year has been a mixed basket , there are some positives that we can draw inspiration from . These acts can form the foundations of a more successful New Year .
Kenya ’ s football which was the epitome of corruption and mismanagement has managed to streamline most of its acts and is making headways into setting a firm foundation to the game ’ s prosperity .
Though the little tiff of how many teams will participate in the Kenya Premier League in the 2017 season is the blemish , the officials at Football Kenya Federation have put good sheen on the sport .
For the first time in a long-time , the national team Harambee Stars has played with a sense of purpose , unity and scored significant victories both at regional and continental scene .
A lot of work still remains to be done in managing the KPL teams to develop youth teams and feeder programmes which would aid in the continuity of the game . It also remains to be seen if Kenyan football clubs can become major challengers for regional and continental honors .
Similar structures need to be developed for other team sports that are slowly going through challenges
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