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Kenyan athletes are increasingly relocating to the US for better opportunities, risking the country’s dominance in athletics as financial and professional prospects abroad lure talent.
It is highly likely that a youngster in the US is paid twice as much as a Kenyan the same age, one of the reasons a lot of talented young runners are now opting to move abroad for greener pastures.
Such relocations are vey detrimental to Kenya’s rich talent in athletics and in a few years to come, they could be watching as other countries dominate. This is already being noticed in steeplechase, once known as a 'Kenya race' courtesy of the likes of Ezekiel Kemboi and Conseslus Kipruto.
Now, Kenya is slowly losing it’s pride with tons of athletes competing in the NCAA with the hope of being noticed and securing scholarships in prestigious schools as they also chase the bag.
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08:27 - 21.11.2024
'Someone even threw my passport' - Julius Yego recalls moment he was disrespected by an Athletics Kenya official
The 2015 world javelin champion narrated a moment when he was disrespected by an Athletics Kenya official simply because he did not look formidable enough to win a medal.
Visas have been an issue but it is not a problem for many Kenyan athletes as they have learned how to get around such issues and it’s way easier for them to relocate.
Pamela Kosgei, Brigid Kosgei’s younger sister is one of the athletes tipped to dominate steeplechase in the coming years but has since found a new home in New Mexico where she will be looking to make a name for herself.
Lipscomb coach Nick Polk told Letsrun.com that: “Schools that have not historically had Kenyans are now spending big money on really good guys.”
“For a period, there was kind of a lull in being able to get visas from the US Embassy in Nairobi. There has always been an appetite or coaches recruiting, but they’ve struggled to get visas through for various reasons,” Iowa State coach Jeremy Sudbury noted.
“There are athletes where they could go to (an agency like) Rosa, they’re maybe only getting a $7,000 or $8,000 professional contract, which is tiny,” New Mexico coach Darren Gauson said.
“Or you can come here, get a degree, get your full cost of attendance plus your $12,000-$13,000 in room and board, you’re going to the training table and getting all your food paid for.”
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11:02 - 22.11.2024
'That will never change'- Letsile Tebogo reveals constant goal that will not shift going into 2025
Letsile Tebogo has revealed the major goal that he is not planning to change going into 2025.
He revealed that Pamela Kosgei could have turned pro anytime she wanted but going to the US was a plus for her since she is more likely to be seen by top shoe brands.
“Pamela 10 years ago would have just gone pro and signed a deal with someone. But if you can come here and put yourself in the NCAA and run really well, I think you’re going to be more marketable for the shoe companies.”
Another coach disclosed that many Kenyan athletes are always reaching out to them with the hope of one day moving to the states and making a better living for themselves. This exodus is not stopping anytime since many Kenyan youngsters are emerging and their hunger for success and making money is unmatched.
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