The Emergence of Sports Law in Kenya

Abstract

Sports law is a relatively new topic in Kenya. Once played for recreational purposes and entertainment, sports have become professionalized and commercialized. This evolution led to government intervention to prevent a conflict of interest. The government in Kenya created and regulated the infrastructure supporting these sports, as well as provided dispute resolution mechanisms for arising issues. This infrastructure included both the legal and structural frameworks of the industry. The government intervention ran through the legislature and the judiciary. Through the legislature, the government created laws to regulate the sports industry. The judiciary adjudicated issues demanding judicial treatment. Sports have grown into a highly competitive industry with global pervasiveness. This chapter will discuss regulative and structural frameworks within the sports industry by highlighting the legislation primarily providing sports law. The chapter then highlights contemporary issues as well as make recommendations on the same.