Benefits of transforming a sports hobby into a full-blown career

If you were to take up a sport today, and pursue it as a career, which one would you pick?

For me, Ultimate Frisbee would be my first choice.

According to the President of Chess Kenya, Bernard Wanjala, the intent of taking up a sport can be categorized into three cadres: leisure, education, and professionalism, where one can earn a living from it.

With chess in particular, Wanjala notes that the sport has been widely adopted in the country, with most regions boasting either amateur or professional players.

Further, he mentions that being a sports personality can offer a competitive edge in the job market, as many corporate organizations are now investing in sports.

“Currently, companies such as Equity and KCB Bank have employed 12 and 18 chess players, respectively, based on their chess expertise, complemented by their professional skills. This is not limited to adults but also extends to children, case in point, 13-year-old Elizabeth Cassidy, who plays for KCB,” he says.

Moving on to pool, Chol Riak, a pool player and captain of Team Chilli’s, highlights the growing recognition of the sport both locally and internationally.

Having taken up the sport in 2019 at a tournament organized by Platinum 7D, he has never looked back.

To him, pool should be introduced in schools so that students can be nurtured from an early age, as it has the potential to shape their future.

“Uganda, Rwanda, and most East African countries have pool academies. It is high time the government stepped in and established one, especially with Talanta Hela, which focuses on growing sports in the country,” he notes.

The most recent tournament held in Nakuru was the Space Pool Fiesta on February 2, 2025, where Geoffrey Kibet walked away with Sh 100,000 in prize money.

Beyond playing, one can also venture into training, a profession that is proving to be lucrative in some sports.

Young Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) Africa founder ,Kamau Nyabwengi ,states that, in Kenya, there is better financial potential as a trainer than as a player.

Kamau runs a golf training academy that travels across the country, offering lessons.

According to him, golf is a sport where both training and playing provide an enriching experience while also offering valuable networking opportunities.

Another sport that has shown promise of being lucrative is darts.

Nakuru Darts Secretary and Flamingo Darts franchise owner, Joseph Mwangi, notes that sports have the potential to provide scholarships for school-going students, creating a win-win situation where they benefit from playing a game that they can get sponsorship for their education.

To him future partnerships may present opportunities to sponsor children who play the sports, an idea he welcomes for dart enthusiasts.

One of the students, Peter Waciuri, played professionally in the UK and emerged as the second runner-up in a European competition.

Other people who have found careers in sports include Freshia Oduor and Grace Adhiambo, who played for Nakuru rugby Women’s Team.

The duo made history with the Kenya Lionesses, securing global titles twice in a row after a strong performance in the first two legs of the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series in Cape Town, South Africa.

Other notable rugby stars from Nakuru include Oscar Ouma, Beldad Ogeta, Denis Abukuse, Philip Okeyo, Clinton Odhiambo, Brian Ndirangu, and Ibrahim Ayoo, among others who have proceeded to represent the country on international stages, while at the same time won titles for themselves and their home time.

On the other hand, Carl Tundo, a rally guru hailing from Nakuru, has also made a mark in the motorsport world, registering impressive performances in the Kenya National Rally Championship.

Tundo is expected to raise the Kenyan flag high as he competes in the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, set to take place from March 20 to 23, attracting 50 elite drivers.