Business Quest 
Fusion of Technology and Sustainability: Big lesson for Kenya to learn from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A century later after hosting a similar event in 1924, the management of Paris 2024 Olympics was shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, climate concerns, social justice movements, health protocols, and economic challenges.
For the first time, we witnessed the convergence of technology and sustainability at the French Capital, marking a watershed moment in re-imagining the transformative power of technology in fostering sustainability and redefining the parameters of international mega-events.
For Kenya, a country with a rich history of over 60 years of Olympic participation and remarkable success in athletics, the event presented a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights that will reshape our dreams and aspirations in this prestigious event.
Beyond staging world-renowned talents on the Olympic track, Kenya has been making bold statements in attempts to be among the first African countries to host this international event, but without success.
In 2004, Kenya’s then Sports Minister Ochilo Ayacko made a bold statement, saying the country would bid for either the 2016 or 2020 Games.
A dozen years later, the country continues to field its dynamic talent, but none of its cities is prepared yet, largely weighed down by infrastructural capacity to host such a mega-event.
But no African city has been able to achieve this feat so far. Cape Town in South Africa reached the final bid stage in 2004, while Cairo in Egypt expressed interest for the 2008 Games, but none has been given the honour of hosting an Olympic event.
Egypt, however, plans to table a proposal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2036 Games as Dakar in Senegal prepares for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
We have another chance to not only dream big but to learn and take key lessons we can implement to position Kenya as an attractive Africa host country – that reflects over six decades of our Olympic success.
Technological development and commitment to playing a lead role in Africa in combating climate change now appear to be Kenya’s biggest assets that could, in the near future, help significantly bolster investments in sporting infrastructure and enhance our bidding fortunes.
Kenya remains a major hub for global tech companies seeking to develop products and solutions tailored for the African market. Often dubbed the African Silicon Savannah, our vibrant tech ecosystem, fueled by a young and tech-savvy population, supportive government policies, and increasing investment, has led to a surge in tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, having hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and boasting a significant clean energy and power generation mix on the continent, Kenya has affirmed its commitment to taking a lead role in climate advocacy, driving positive environmental change, and sustainable practices.
Therefore, one of the significant lessons that Kenya can glean from the Paris 2024 Olympics is the integration of technology for sustainable event management.
For context, there were over 800 Olympic sporting events, 15,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers, and millions of fanatics and tourists who required essential services to make the event a success.
Hosting a successful ‘sustainable Olympic’ the greenest in the event’s history was a big test as Paris raced to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce its carbon footprint by 55% compared to the 2012 London Games, aligned with the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement.
According to the European Union, Paris 2024 received the ISO 20121 certification on sustainable event management systems in 2022 and was also labelled with an “exemplary” level in compliance with ISO 20400 standard on responsible procurement.
To realize these sustainability objectives, Paris leveraged cutting-edge technological solutions. In the realm of transportation, the integration of electric and autonomous vehicles revolutionized how athletes and spectators moved around the Olympic venues.
This not only reduced carbon emissions but also set a precedence for the adoption of eco-friendly transportation systems in large-scale events.
This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the potential of technology to transform traditional practices and pave the way for more sustainable mobility solutions.
The incorporation of smart clothing and advanced monitoring technologies represented a compelling fusion of sports performance and technological innovation.
The utilization of smart textiles that can monitor athletes’ muscle activity and provide real-time feedback exemplifies the marriage of athleticism and cutting-edge engineering.
This synergy not only enhances the athletic experience but also underscores the capacity of technology to augment human performance in ways previously unimagined.
In the realm of media and broadcasting, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionized how the Olympic Games are presented to a global audience.
By harnessing AI for media production, the creation of personalized content, real-time statistics, and immersive viewer experiences can be achieved. The application of AI in broadcasting not only enhanced the engagement of audiences but also exemplified the potential of technology to shape the future of sports entertainment.
Additionally, the deployment of drones for security surveillance, medical supply delivery, and transportation redefined the operational landscape of the Olympics.
Drones contributed to the efficient and secure management of the event while minimizing the ecological impact associated with traditional modes of operation.
By closely observing the Paris Games and applying the lessons learned to its own context, Kenya can position itself as a formidable contender in the global landscape of hosting such major sports competitions, while making meaningful contributions to the advancement of sustainable and responsible event management practices.
The writer is Managing Director, Multichoice Kenya.
