As Kenya grapples with the Olympics kit debacle, other countries around the world have been unveiling their own kits, putting Kenya’s rollout to absolute shame.
Last weekend, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba unveiled Kenya’s Olympics kit – a rather shabby mishmash of garments meant to bring out the Kenyan spirit and pay homage to the Maasai culture. However, the designs received widespread criticism from Kenyans, who branded them as uninspiring and dull. The kits, casually draped over the athletes, led to a backlash against the CS, with many Kenyans unmasking the designers behind the bland outfits and demanding accountability.
Renowned apparel designer Brian Babu even distanced himself from the project, stating that he was not part of the creative team and that the production was so rushed it was finalized in just three days.
In stark contrast, other countries have continued to wow the world with their exquisite designs. The USA team, for instance, boasts kits designed by famed international designer Ralph Lauren. On Tuesday, Lauren unveiled the U.S. Olympic team’s outfits for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Games, with distinctly different looks for each. The opening ceremony outfits feature jeans and blue blazers with red and white striping over a striped Oxford shirt, while the closing ceremony design borrows from motorsports with a white-dominant racing-style jacket adorned with patches commemorating Team USA and white pants with ‘Team USA’ written down the left leg.
Team Canada will wear outfits by lululemon, featuring intricate print detailing that showcases the country’s vast and varied landscape. Fashion and design commentator Elizabeth Segran called it, “The perfect kit.”
Team France will compete in a 90s-inspired kit designed by Stéphane Ashpool, known for his streetwear brand Pigalle. The uniforms, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week, celebrate the colors of the French flag with a chic and elegant approach.
The Jamaican Olympic and Paralympic teams will wear kits designed by Puma, featuring the colors of the country’s flag: black, bright yellow, and electric green. Puma CEO Arne Freundt highlighted that the design marries “speed and fashion,” strategically placing cut lines to accentuate the athletes’ physiques while providing a visually stunning look.
Great Britain’s kits, designed by Adidas, feature the block colors of the Union Jack and prominently display the flag. Adidas designer Lewer emphasized the importance of athletes feeling connected to their team and visibly representing their country.
Other countries, including Spain, Japan, Portugal, and The Netherlands, have also rolled out impressive kits. Amsterdam brand The New Originals collaborated closely with Team Netherlands’ dancers to design 80s-style tracksuits that play on the colors of the Dutch flag and the iconic orange of the national football team.
Meanwhile, Kenyan designers have yet to explain the inspiration behind their kits or offer a plausible explanation for the lackluster look of the entire rollout, causing massive public uproar.
