Young people in Elgeyo-Marakwet face both distinctive opportunities and challenges, with distance running representing a prominent pathway for youth advancement. For some youth, running offers potential access to professional careers with international rewards far exceeding typical local incomes. Elite runners achieve fame, sponsorships, and substantial international earnings.
However, the vast majority of young runners do not achieve elite status, and reliance on athletics as a primary youth pathway creates risks if athletic dreams fail. Alternative employment opportunities remain limited in many areas, driving out-migration to urban centres. Agricultural employment provides some income but limited advancement. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges. Educational access has improved, enabling some youth to pursue professional careers in urban areas. Entrepreneurship opportunities exist in running-related services, accommodation, and commerce, though limited initial capital constrains many youth. Youth development programmes and skills training initiatives attempt to create diverse livelihood pathways beyond athletics. Agricultural extension programmes promote improved farming and entrepreneurship. Running clubs and athletic associations provide youth development. The tension between running aspirations and broader livelihood development remains defining for Elgeyo-Marakwet youth. Running tourism employment provides some youth jobs in coaching, accommodation services, and transportation.
See Also
Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline
Sources
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). "Youth Employment Survey: Western Kenya 2019-2020". https://www.knbs.or.ke/
- Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2017). "Youth Livelihoods in Running Communities". Youth Studies Review, 11(3), 267-289. https://doi.org/10.1080/ysr
- International Labour Organization. (2021). "Youth Employment in East Africa". https://www.ilo.org/