Making Country Proud: The Role of Athletics in the Development of Eldoret City, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the impact of athletics on the development of Eldoret City from 1920-2020. The study was informed by the need to discuss in detail and document the development of athletics among the Kalenjin community in Kenya. To realize the above, the study utilized Social Constructivism and Self-efficacy theories. The study was guided by one objective: the development and impact of athletics among the Kalenjin community in Kenya from 1920 through 2020. The literature reviewed, global, regional, and local, helped identify the knowledge gap, hence the study’s justification. The philosophical paradigm that anchored this study is constructivist philosophy. The study is qualitative and has an applied historical research design. The sampling procedure entailed using purposive and snowball sampling to arrive at knowledgeable informants. The sample size of 20 informants was determined by saturation. Data collected was from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources entailed archival materials such as artefacts and photographs, while unstructured interview schedules were used to collect oral data. The secondary sources were the books, theses, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Using the qualitative method, the study analyzed data thematically and presented the findings through narration, direct quotes and descriptive texts. Photographs were also used to present the findings. According to the research findings, the Kalenjin community had traditional sports activities, primarily athletics. The thrust of the athletics was reminiscent of their cultural aspirations. Further, the study established that the development of athletics grew gradually in phases marked by the arrival of the European colonialists, the internationalization of sports in the 1950s and the emergence of Kenya as a world athletics player. The study additionally found that scholarship, employment opportunities, and acquisition of wealth through diverse investments are evident in Eldoret City. The town has recently grown into the 5th Kenyan City following a significant economic contribution from the athletics arena. The rise of the Kalenjin diaspora and the attraction of multinationals to local athletics constitute substantial socioeconomic and political impacts on athletics among the Kalenjin. The study thus recommends that the government improve funding for sports and fully implement the existing laws and policies