Political activist Morara Kebaso has raised concerns over the lack of appreciation and support for sportsmen in the country.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, December 2, 2024, Morara criticized the treatment of athletes, particularly football players, and emphasized the potential of sports to transform lives and the economy if given adequate investment.
Morara called for better compensation for athletes, stating that a Kenya Premier League player should earn at least Ksh350,000 per month.
“In my view, the least that a premier league player should be paid is 350k per month,” he said.
“Sports can make the youth of Kenya very rich. Like tourism, if we invest in sports and players, we can generate a lot of revenue. Eldoret is a testimony of what sports can do to a community.”
He highlighted the challenges faced by players in Kenya’s football leagues, pointing out the meagre earnings and lack of proper support structures.
Peanuts
According to Morara, players in the Kenyan Premier League are paid between Ksh50,000 and Ksh60,000 per month, an amount he described as inadequate. The situation is worse for players in the National Super League (NSL), who, he claimed, rely on performance-based bonuses as low as Ksh3,000 for a win, Ksh 1,500 for a draw, and Ksh1,000 for fare when they lose.
“For example, premier league football players are paid 50k to 60k per month. When they get an injury they are thrown off the team and forgot. When they complain about salaries they are taken to the disciplinary committee. NSL players are not paid anything worth their talent. I have spoken to some players who told me they get 3k if they win the game, 1500 when they draw and 1k fare when they lose,” Morara asserted.
“It is so demeaning to their talent. When they get an injury, they are thrown off the team and forgotten. When they complain about salaries, they are taken to the disciplinary committee,” he added.
He also stressed the need to turn players into brands that can secure lucrative advertising deals, which would not only benefit the athletes but also promote Kenyan sports on a larger scale.
“I have spoken to some players who told me about their struggles. The players should be brands with lucrative advertising deals. I am not too young to fix it,” Morara declared.
Sports can make the youth of Kenya very rich. Like Tourism, if we invest in sports and players we can generate alot of revenue. Eldoret is a testimony of what sports can do to a community. For example, premier league football players are paid 50k to 60k per month. When they get…
— Morara Kebaso (@MoraraKebasoSnr) December 2, 2024
On November 18, 2024, Kebaso declared his bid for the presidency, pledging to champion the interests of the country’s youth.
He affirmed his dedication to advocating for a better Kenya.
