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In his opinion, sports is not just about spectatorship.
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“It Is a booming industry that generates employment on a massive scale,” he said.
Image: HANDOUT
Businessman Nazir Jinnah has said the upcoming African Cup of Nations set to take place in 2024 is a big economic opportunity for East African countries.
Jinnah said Afcon offers a unique opportunity for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to raise their profiles and promote local tourism as they are jointly set to host the games.
"Like in Europe, Kenya can use this opportunity to revolutionize the sports sector- to the extent of having sports tourism," the hospitality Industry mogul said.
Jinnah said sports can not only be an avenue for promoting development and social cohesion but also create employment for millions of young Kenyans, who are jobless.
According to statistics by the Kenyan Government, the unemployment rate in Kenya is at 12.5 per cent, with a majority being drawn from 75 per cent of the country’s youthful population.
“Countries like China, which successfully leveraged the 2008 Beijing Olympics to modernize and revitalize its capital, stand testament to the transformative power of sports,” Jinnah said.
Speaking during an interview on Saturday, he pointed out that, “the legacy of such events extends beyond the final whistle, leaving behind state-of-the-art facilities, improved transportation networks, and a lasting impact on local economies”.
In his opinion, sports is not just about spectatorship.
“It Is a booming industry that generates employment on a massive scale,” he said.
He said from athletes and coaches to marketing professionals and event organisers, the sports ecosystem creates a myriad of job opportunities.
“The rise of fantasy sports platforms, sports journalism, and sports science further diversifies the employment landscape, offering career paths that cater to a broad spectrum of skills and interests,” he added.
“Consider the economic engine that is the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, employing thousands directly and indirectly, from players and coaches to hospitality staff and merchandise vendors. Beyond the glitz of the main stage, the sports industry supports countless livelihoods, creating a ripple effect that extends to adjacent sectors.”
Jinnah said though sports in Kenya face a myriad of challenges, Kenya remains a giant in athletics.
He said establishing world-class sports academies and training facilities can serve as the cornerstone of athletics.
“With a focus on nurturing young talent from a grassroots level, these academies can employ coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and administrative staff. The ripple effect extends to the local economy as facilities require maintenance, and businesses catering to athletes' needs, such as sports equipment shops and nutrition providers, can flourish,” Jinnah said.