Youtube Tutorials and Development of Individual Sports in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role that YouTube tutorials play in the development of individual sports in Kenya by studying five athletes namely: javelin world champion Julius Yego, archer Shezhana Anwar, boxer Rayton Okwiri, swimmer Talisa Lanoe and judoka Kiplangat Sang. The objectives of the study were to find out how YouTube tutorials influence the success of professional athletes, to assess the effectiveness of these tutorials in the development of individual sports in Kenya, to identify the challenges associated with YouTube tutorials in promoting individual sports in Kenya, and to examine the perception towards YouTube tutorials as a resource to develop individual sports in Kenya. This study relied on two theories namely: the Learning Theory and Information Processing Theory. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. The five athletes were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, and 50 YouTube tutorials were gathered, viewed and analysed. This generated both qualitative and quantitative data which was analysed and interpreted. Responses from the selected athletes were analysed qualitatively using codes and themes, while the YouTube tutorials were analysed through visual analysis. It emerged that YouTube has digitised the coaching phenomenon, such that athletes can now learn new skills and techniques online without having to employ an actual tutor. YouTube tutorials are an emerging force in the sporting world, and their use is among technological advancements that are currently being highly adopted among local athletes. YouTube tutorials have also provided a wide pot of sports knowledge and skills on individual sports disciplines that are not indigenously Kenyan such as judo. The study also found out that due to success stories like Yego’s, perception is fast changing among professional athletes, and many are now viewing YouTube tutorials as a useful, affordable and credible source of sports knowledge that can help in the development of their careers. High data charges in Kenya, as compared to the rates in developed countries such as Germany, remains the main challenge that athletes relying on YouTube tutorials endure. The study therefore recommends that the government reviews its policy in a manner that will help bring down the cost of internet data, and that they provide centralised areas with free Wi-Fi within stadiums and athletes’ training centres. There is also need for the sports ministry to empower local coaches and retired athletes with the capacity to produce YouTube tutorials, as YouTube tutorials created by African instructors and former athletes are very few. In addition, government should incorporate viewing of YouTube tutorials in the school curriculum as part of extra curriculum activities so that talented children can be made aware of the various individual sports disciplines from an early age.