Team Kenya's Paris 2024 Olympic Kits Miss the Mark

I can't help but cringe at the recent unveiling of Team Kenya's ceremonial kits for the Paris 2024 Olympics by the CS Ababu Namwamba. When I first saw the images, I had to do a double-take – are these really the outfits our proud athletes will be wearing on the world stage?

Let's be honest, these uniforms are a far cry from the vibrant, culturally rich attire we've come to expect from Kenya. The dominant red and black colors are a nod to the traditional Maasai shuka, but that's where the cultural representation seems to end. As someone who appreciates the rich textile heritage of Kenya, I'm left wondering: where's the creativity? Where's the celebration of Kenyan style and identity?

The reaction from many Kenyans has been, well, less than enthusiastic. Social media, especially X, has been buzzing with comments ranging from disbelief to outright criticism. I saw a post by one Twitter user who even joked that our athletes look like they're "going for circumcision" rather than Olympic competition. Ouch!

What's particularly frustrating is that Kenya has no shortage of talented designers who could have created something truly spectacular. Imagine if we had seen a modern interpretation of the kanga, with its bold patterns and colors, or incorporated intricate Maasai beadwork into the design. These elements would have not only looked stunning but also showcased Kenya's rich cultural heritage to the world. Besides, it is not a must to incluse Maasai Shukas in every design.

The controversy surrounding these uniforms highlights a bigger issue – the need for engaging experts in the such fields when it comes to such important national decisions. I know there was an open call for designs from Kenyan creatives but surely, I am quite sure whoever presented these designs to the board in charge are not designers. In fact the board is supposed to have a creative as a member. I can't help but think of the missed opportunity to engage our local talent and create something we could all be proud of.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Kenya has faced uniform-related controversy at the Olympics. Remember the honeycomb pattern debacle from Tokyo 2020? It seems we haven't learned our lesson.

When it comes to designing Olympic uniforms, countries usually rely on designer or brands that are well versed in the field to come up with design prototypes. Have you looked at the Olympic uniforms of National Teams like USA, Italy, Great Britain, Jamaica, or even South Korea, they are beautifully designed to ensure the final products meet the specific need s of each sport. USA teamed up with Ralph Lauren, Canada teamed up with Lululmon, Giorgio Armani teamed with Italy while France teamed up with Lacoste.

As we look forward to the Paris Olympics, I hope this situation serves as a wake-up call. Our athletes deserve uniforms that make them feel confident, proud, and unmistakably Kenyan. After all, they're not just wearing clothes – they're wearing our national identity on the global stage.