President Ruto Rebuke Kenyan Entrepreneurs for Missing Paris Olympic Merchandise Sales
Eldoret, Kenya – President William Ruto, on Thursday, delivered a stern rebuke to Kenyan businessmen and companies, accusing them of missing a golden opportunity during the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics. Speaking at Eldoret State Lodge while awarding medals to the victorious Kenyan athletes, Ruto expressed his frustration at the lack of Team Kenya merchandise available for sale in Paris and globally, despite the athletes making the nation proud on the world stage.
The President pointed out that a significant customer base eager to purchase Kenyan sports kits was left disappointed due to the absence of Kenyan merchandise in the French capital. “Our business people are sleeping on the job. How can people be looking for Kenyan sportswear and sports gear in Paris, and there is nobody to sell?” Ruto questioned.
He urged Kenyan traders to seize the commercial opportunities within sports, emphasizing the need to create a recognizable Kenyan brand that could generate revenue and support local athletes. “I want to encourage more business people, enterprises, and companies to commercialize our sports. Put in the money for us to have that brand that is Kenyan and a brand that will earn more money for our men and women,” he stated.
The Head of State also hinted at the expansion of sports infrastructure and urged both the government and the private sector to invest more in the industry. “I look forward to expanding the sports infrastructure and I want to encourage not just the government but even the private sector,” Ruto added.
However, the President’s criticism comes amid a pre-existing exclusive deal between Team Kenya and global sportswear giant Nike, which holds the rights to design, manufacture, and distribute the official kits. While this partnership has ensured the availability of Team Kenya merchandise through Nike, the extent to which other Kenyan businesses can participate in selling these kits remains unclear.
Despite this, Ruto’s call to action signals a broader push for Kenyan entrepreneurs to capitalize on the growing global interest in the nation’s sporting prowess.
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President Ruto Rebuke Kenyan Entrepreneurs for Missing Paris Olympic Merchandise Sales
