Kenya, France showcase Sport as driver of youth development at Nairobi forum

The event, organised by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in collaboration with the French Embassy in Kenya and Kenyan partners, brought together senior political leaders, international athletes, youth groups, sports organisations and development partners for a day-long showcase highlighting sport as a driver of social inclusion and sustainable development.

According to the concept note, the programme sought to position sport as a catalyst for economic growth, youth integration and international cooperation while strengthening Franco-Kenyan partnerships in the sports sector.

The sports sequence forms part of activities linked to the Africa Forward Summit and featured demonstrations in basketball, athletics and football across the university’s sports facilities.

The event culminated in a closing ceremony attended by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, who interacted with young athletes, coaches and sports development organisations.

Under the opening segment themed “Partnerships and Inspiration,” organisers planned speeches by French and Kenyan officials, testimonies from athletes and young beneficiaries of sports programmes, and announcements of prospective partnerships involving sports institutions and private sector players.

A major component of the event was the “Sports in Action” demonstrations, which will run across three dedicated sports zones.

The basketball segment was led by coaches from the Basketball Experience Kenya project and included technical workshops, exhibition matches and sports education sessions involving young beneficiaries, including participants living with disabilities.

The athletics demonstration featured training sessions and coaching methodologies led by Decathlon and Kiprun, Iten House of Coaches and the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. Organisers have also planned a multi-kilometre race within the university grounds.

Football activities included a six-team youth tournament and penalty shootout sessions facilitated by community sports organisations including Alive and Kicking, Futbol Mas and Angaza Sport and Development Centre, with support from the Kenyan Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Several international and African sports personalities, including Eliud Kipchoge, Sebastian Sawe, Paul Tergat, and Tegla Lorupe, were present.

During the closing ceremony, the two presidents toured the sports zones, award medals and trophies, and participated in symbolic sports activities with youth teams and elite athletes.

The organisers said the initiative builds on recent global discussions linking sport to sustainable development, including forums held around the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and subsequent international sports investment initiatives.