Riara University Empty Fields
- Calvin Caltoto
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Why Students at Riara University Are Not Engaging in Sports
“Huko uni unaeza make dooh kwa kucheza futa ama ata rugby. Beshte yangu anachezea KU rugby na anadrive ata. (At university, you can make money by playing football or even rugby. My friend plays rugby for KU and even drives.),” I remember these words during my first tour of a university. They made me question my relationship with the field or even the ball.
When one hears about university, a lot lingers in their mind. Some believe campus life is all about fun, parties, and going out. Others see it as a strict academic journey meant to nurture their careers. Some embrace the freedom it offers, an escape from parental supervision, while others seize the opportunity to study and make money.
When I joined university, I was the career-driven type. I only wanted to nurture my journalistic ambitions. If anyone asked me about parties, freedom, or even making money through side hustles, I would give a passive, satisfying answer. And sports? That was a whole different story.
Back in high school, I was a bookworm. My only interaction with sports was during fine Saturday evenings when I would watch my schoolmates play on the field. I once participated in an inter-house basketball competition, but let’s just say it was a complete disaster. Failure. My focus was not on sports. I was literally focused on books. Yes, I was afraid this would affect my health mentally. But you know the pressure that comes with needing good grades in school.
Fast forward to university, the situation was no different. Our campus is small, almost the size of a Karen compound house. The basketball court is half-sized, and for football, we have to hire local fields. The same applies to swimming. Indoor games include pool, table tennis, chess, Jenga, and e-games. But where is rugby? Hockey? Badminton? Handball? The “rough” games are absent in my private university.
I first learned to play pool when I joined campus, but that was the extent of my sports interaction. My university, Riara University, is considered a school for rich kids—students who are often labeled soft and lazy. Sometimes, I find this stereotype to be true. Many of my classmates follow a predictable routine: class, cafeteria, class, cafeteria, garden area for chilling, class, then home. My own schedule revolves around class and the media studio. No field, no pitch, no gym.
The Reality of Sports Inactivity at Riara University
We conducted research at Riara University to understand why sports participation is low among students. A survey of 41 students revealed that 34 do not engage in any sports activities.
The primary reasons cited for this inactivity include:
Lack of access to sports facilities (14 out of 41 respondents).
Poor communication about sports opportunities (11 out of 41 respondents).
Conflicting academic schedules (9 out of 41 respondents).
Lack of interest in the available sports (7 out of 41 respondents).
Limited encouragement from peers or the administration (5 out of 41 respondents).
Interestingly, 25 students reported that they occasionally consider participating in sports, while 10 rarely think about it, and 6 never think about it at all.
"Most of the students are doing it just for fun, not seriously. They just do it for fun, but if they go and say they want to do it seriously, I think Riara can give them a chance to get scouted or something," shares Gerishon, a student who believes there is potential if only students took sports more seriously.
When it comes to the quality of sports facilities, 22 students expressed dissatisfaction, while only 9 felt that the existing facilities were sufficient. Additionally, the survey found that most students desired better facilities, particularly:
Riara University students
Football fields (12 out of 41 respondents).
Esports equipment (9 out of 41 respondents).
Badminton courts (5 out of 41 respondents).
More variety in sports activities (4 out of 41 respondents).
Improved access to gym and fitness equipment (3 out of 41 respondents).
"I am more of a hockey and tennis person. If those were to be added to the co-curriculum system, I would be glad, but they can also offer partnerships or maybe programs outside school for the same," suggests Aurelia Kinyua, reflecting on the need for variety beyond the usual options.
The university’s role in promoting sports was also questioned. A staggering 31 students believed the university does not do enough to promote sports, while only 3 thought it was doing a sufficient job. The biggest motivators for participation, according to respondents, included better facilities (19 responses), organized sports events (15 responses), incentives such as awards and recognition (12 responses), and flexible training schedules (9 responses).
"Kuna wengine wako that active kwa sports kama Basketball. Pool table saa ingine unapata imejaa, saa ingine hakuna wasee wanacheza. Saa ingine unapata watu hawana energy ya kucheza. Yes, facilities ziko ata kaa ni chache. (Some students are quite active in sports like basketball. Sometimes the pool table is packed, other times no one is playing. At times people just lack the energy to play. Yes, we have facilities, even if they are few.)," Grivas Okubi remarks, pointing out the fluctuating interest and energy towards sports.
Riara University offers various sports opportunities, yet student participation remains surprisingly low. While the administration asserts that the sports programs are active, many students report feeling uninformed or unmotivated to participate. Our investigation, based on student surveys, highlights key barriers preventing wider engagement in sports.
Section: Administrative Perspective
When approached for comment, a university administrator stated:
"The sports officer, the sports committee, the sports teams, and I work to ensure sports is alive in Riara. Y'all going ahead to insinuate that it is inactive is a stretch that demands facts, and not assumptions." This statement suggests that efforts are being made to promote sports. However, student feedback presents a different reality, where awareness and participation remain low.
The Benefits of Sports Participation
The absence of sports participation in Riara University is a significant concern, especially given the numerous benefits sports offer. Beyond the physical advantages, engaging in sports helps students develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Here are some key benefits:
Physical and Mental Well-being
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Engaging in sports reduces stress and improves mental clarity, essential for academic performance.
Networking and Social Growth
Sports provide an excellent platform to make friends and build social connections.
Team sports foster collaboration and teach students how to work effectively with others.
Skill Development
Participating in sports helps develop time management, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Competitive sports instill perseverance and the ability to handle both success and failure.
Opportunities Beyond Campus
Many students have built successful careers through sports scholarships and professional engagements.
Even casual sports participation can lead to coaching opportunities, fitness careers, or content creation in the sports niche.
"Sport teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose—it teaches you about life." — Billie Jean King
At Riara University, participating in sports goes beyond just competition. It’s about cultivating resilience, teamwork, and discipline that can be applied to all areas of life. Getting involved in sports not only boosts physical health but also enhances mental well-being, allowing students to manage stress and sharpen their focus in their studies. Whether it's football, basketball, athletics, or another sport, engagement in these activities fosters community spirit and personal development. So, let’s take the plunge onto the field, challenge ourselves, and make sports a vital part of our campus experience.
Moving Forward: A Call for Change
If Riara University is perceived as a school for rich kids, then why aren’t students embracing the lifestyle that comes with wellness and fitness? Luxury should include a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes health and well-being.
To combat sports inactivity, the university should consider:
Investing in better sports facilities and diverse sports programs.
Communicating more effectively about existing sports opportunities.
Adjusting schedules to accommodate students interested in participating in sports.
Encouraging sports culture through peer and administrative support.
The path to a healthier, more engaged student community starts with stepping onto the field, court, or track. It's time for students to step outside their comfort zones and seize the new opportunities that sports present. As the saying goes, “Active Minds, Active Lives.” Whether through fitness initiatives, inter-university tournaments, or casual activities, sports should be a fundamental part of campus life.
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