Sustainability lessons for Kenya from Paris Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics exemplified a groundbreaking fusion of technology and sustainability, offering lessons that Kenya can learn as it continues to aspire to host the Olympics.

The games demonstrated that the event was not just about sports, but a platform to reimagine how technology can drive sustainability in global mega events.

A century after Paris first hosted the Olympics in 1924, the 2024 Games were significantly different, shaped by geopolitical tensions, climate concerns, social justice movements, health protocols, and economic challenges. This time, the convergence of technology and sustainability in the French capital marked a pivotal moment, redefining international event management.

For Kenya, with its rich Olympic history spanning more than 60 years and significant success in athletics, the Paris 2024 Games offered valuable insights.

These lessons could reshape Kenya’s future Olympic aspirations, particularly its long-standing ambition to host the Games. Despite previous attempts, such as the 2004 bid announced by then-Sports minister Ochilo Ayacko, no Kenyan city has been prepared to host the Olympics, largely due to infrastructural limitations.

Read: MURAYA: Path to Olympics needs disruptive sports sponsorship management

This challenge is not unique to Kenya. No African city has successfully hosted the Olympics. Cape Town reached the final bid stage for the 2004 Games, and Cairo expressed interest in the 2008 Games, but neither city was selected.

However, with Egypt planning a bid for the 2036 Games and Dakar set to host the 2026 Youth Olympics, Africa’s Olympic aspirations remain alive. Kenya has another opportunity to learn and implement key strategies to position itself as an attractive host country in Africa, reflecting its six decades of Olympic success.

Kenya’s technological development and leadership in climate change initiatives are critical assets that could enhance its future Olympic bids. Often referred to as the African Silicon Savannah, Kenya has become a hub for global tech companies developing solutions tailored to the African market.

This vibrant tech ecosystem, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and supportive government policies, has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship.

Kenya’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its hosting of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and its significant clean energy and power generation capacity, the largest on the continent. This dedication positions Kenya as a leader in climate advocacy and sustainable practices, essential qualities for any future Olympic bid.

One of the most significant lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympics is integrating technology to achieve sustainable event management. Paris successfully hosted more than 800 sporting events, involving 15,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers, and millions of visitors, all while aiming for carbon neutrality.

The Games were the greenest in Olympic history, with Paris reducing its carbon footprint by 55 percent compared to the 2012 London Games, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Paris 2024 achieved ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management systems and was recognised for exemplary compliance with the ISO 20400 standard for responsible procurement.

These achievements were made possible by leveraging cutting-edge technological solutions. For example, integrating electric and autonomous vehicles transformed transportation around Olympic venues, setting a precedent for eco-friendly mobility at large-scale events.

Smart textiles and advanced monitoring technologies showcased the powerful synergy between sports performance and technological innovation. Athletes used smart clothing that monitored muscle activity and provided real-time feedback, highlighting how technology can enhance human performance.

In media and broadcasting, artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionised how the Olympics were presented to a global audience. AI-enabled personalised content, real-time statistics, and immersive viewing experiences, reshaping the future of sports entertainment. Additionally, drones played a vital role in security surveillance, medical supply delivery, and transportation, contributing to the efficient and sustainable management of the Games.

By closely observing the Paris 2024 Olympics and applying these lessons, Kenya can strengthen its position as a contender to host major sports competitions. Embracing technological innovation and sustainability could also enable Kenya to make meaningful contributions to the global advancement of responsible event management practices.

As Kenya continues to build on its Olympic legacy, integrating these insights could prove transformative, both in terms of enhancing its bid prospects and in setting new standards for sustainability in Africa.

The writer is the Managing Director of Multichoice Kenya