As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris continues, Safaricom PLC, one of Kenya’s leading telecommunications companies, has embarked on an innovative initiative to support Team Kenya.
Recognizing the need for athletes to be well-prepared both on and off the field, Safaricom has introduced a comprehensive Financial Literacy and media training program aimed at equipping the athletes with essential skills to navigate their careers and the media landscape effectively.
The training held in Eldoret saw over 40 athletes and their coaches, who are gearing up for the global sporting showcase. Safaricom’s program is structured around two key components: financial literacy and media training.
The financial literacy module covers critical topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products and services. Similarly, media training ensures they can represent themselves and our nation with confidence and clarity.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our athletes represent the best of Kenya on the global stage. It is our duty to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to manage their finances effectively and navigate the media landscape. This program is part of our commitment to supporting their holistic development and long-term success.”
The initiative is part of Safaricom’s broader commitment to empowering communities and promoting holistic development. The program is designed to ensure that athletes not only excel in their sporting endeavors but also manage their finances prudently and engage confidently with the media.
Faith Kipyegon, one of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes and a participant in the program, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This training has been invaluable. I’ve learned so much about managing my finances and how to present myself to the media. It’s empowering to know that I have the tools to handle whatever comes my way, both in my career and personal life.”
The media training component, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing athletes’ communication skills, preparing them for interactions with journalists, and effectively managing their public personas. This aspect of the program is particularly crucial in the age of social media, where athletes are constantly in the public eye and must be adept at handling both positive and negative attention.
Early last month, Safaricom committed KES 30 million in cash and kind for Team Kenya for the upcoming Paris Olympics in France. The sponsorship includes travel insurance for athletes, airtime, and data bundles to support Team Kenya.
Kenya has a proud history of producing world-class athletes, and with initiatives like this, the country is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. Safaricom’s commitment to empowering athletes is a testament to the positive impact that corporations can have on society when they invest in the holistic development of individuals.
By equipping athletes with these skills, Safaricom aims to help them build sustainable financial futures, avoiding common pitfalls that have historically plagued many sports professionals.
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