Nike's new kit elicits debate

Team Kenya’s new kit from Nike for Olympics. [Courtesy]

The new Team Kenya Nike kit has generated mixed reactions from far and wide on social media with many people expressing dissatisfaction with the design even as the National National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Noc-k) says, “it’s wow.”

The kit was unveiled on Tuesday by Nike Inc. in New York with World 1,500m Champion Timothy Cheruiyot as the men’s model alongside top athletes from USA, Nigeria and Brazil, which have contracts with the sports apparel.

Ivan Sanchaz posted on Facebook: “The worst kit ever, you could just retain 2012 kits.”

Vivuzela Jordan Khasindu wrote: “The Kenyan kit is poor. You even struggle to recognize the word Kenya.”

Joseph Juma Ogal reacted: “Tell Nike that we appreciate their contributions towards sports in our country, but here they missed it in a big way.”

Daddy Owen asked: “New Kit for Kenyan team during the Olympics? My question is who designs the jerseys. Is it Nike or is it a designer from Kenya then Nike manufactures?”

Noc-k President Paul Tergat expressed satisfaction with the new kit saying the new design brings with it vivid memories of pride and fulfillment.

“Witnessing the unveiling of the Team Kenya Kit for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in New York (on Tuesday) brings with it vivid memories of my pride and fulfillment when I donned the famous red, green and black national colours in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games as well as the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games,” said Tergat, former world marathon record holder.

“The Kenyan colours as represented by the newly designed kit are synonymous with our Olympic success. Our athletes have colourfully dominated the track and our boxers have left a mark on the ring at the Summer Games for decades. The uniqueness of the design reflects the vibrant culture of Kenya.”

“In Tokyo, I’m looking forward to watching the Rugby 7’s as well as the women’s volleyball teams in our national colours. NOC-K will launch the full range of kit in April in Nairobi. For the first time, official Team Kenya replicas will be available for purchase.,” said Tergat.