Ideology, elitism, gender and the evolution of sports management in colonial Kenya, 1923 – 1963

Abstract

Marginalization of women in sports management in Kenya has a long history. However, the existing literature on the subject overlooks the interplay of ideology and elitism in gendering inequality in sports management in colonial Kenya. This article delves into the evolution of sports during the colonial period to understand the impact of the interplay between ideology and elitism on gendering sports management. It examines data preserved in official records, newspapers/magazines and views and recollections of knowledgeable informants. The article established that ideology and elitism combined with evolving social and political meaning of sports to advantage the colonial political class in top decision-making levels of sports management. At independence the white political class in sports management was replaced by an African one, community development officers and, sportspersons transitioning to sports administration. These developments gave Kenyan men long head-starts in the management of sports as the country transitioned to independence.