Sports Fair and Symposium concludes with calls to grow Kenya’s sporting economy

The closing ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) was graced by Ministry of Sports Administrative Secretary Evans Achoki, who underscored the government’s commitment to driving the sporting agenda in the country.

He said the purpose of the symposium was to explore every angle of sport — from grassroots development and talent nurturing to professional careers and industry innovation.

“This platform has been about leveraging all aspects of sport to unlock opportunities for our people,” said Achoki, adding that the ministry views the sector as a key pillar for both youth empowerment and economic growth.

The three-day event drew a wide range of exhibitors and stakeholders from various sectors within the sports ecosystem.

From sports journalism and media, to innovation hubs, scholarship providers, sports law firms, and administration bodies, the forum showcased the breadth of professions available in the industry.

Universities, colleges, sports federations, tech companies, and international experts were also present, offering insights into emerging trends and career pathways.

Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) CEO Doreen Adhiambo commended the success of the event, highlighting the value of the technological and scientific knowledge shared.

 She noted that with the right financial backing, the plan is to extend the initiative to other countries in the region, further positioning Kenya as a hub for sports careers and knowledge exchange.

“With the right financial backing, we are determined to extend this initiative beyond Nairobi, taking our knowledge and experience to other countries so that more young people can benefit from the opportunities the sports industry offers,” said the CEO.

According to KAS, the symposium was a response to the underutilization of talent and lack of career direction among youth interested in the sports industry.

 The programme featured plenary sessions, networking forums, workshops, and exhibitions, as well as discussions on integrating sports education into local institutions and the role of county governments in development with next year’s edition promising to be even better.