Former boy band Sauti Sol’s designer, Brian Babu, has addressed issues concerning the controversial athletic kits for the 2024 Olympics.

Celebrity stylist Brian Babu says he has learned a lesson amidst criticism about athletes’ ceremonial kits ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Photo: Brian Babu, James Smart. Source: UGC Why Kenyan athletes’ kits are trending Kenya’s ceremonial kit for the Paris 2024 Olympics garnered mixed reactions from fans following its unveiling at State House on Friday, July 5.

The kit, intended to showcase the best of the country’s style, culture, and heritage at the opening and closing ceremonies, resembled traditional Maasai outfits with dominant red and black colours.

Who designed Team Kenya kits? Kenyans chucked a list of the panel selected to create ideas surrounding the athlete’s kits, and Sauti Sol’s designer, Brian Babu, featured. Netizens called him out on social media, and he defended himself, stating that they had given out over 20 options. ”

Earlier in the year, I accepted a consultancy offer to take part in helping the Ministry of Sports to sort out submissions. Over a few weeks we deliberated as a panel and settled on 20 options, which we then forwarded to the ministry.”

They forwarded the options to the ministry, which was presented to a broader pool of stakeholders, including athletes. The celebrity designer said he did not hear from the ministry, and they later awarded a designer, and he was not part of the decision.

“It is important to note that we did not design, style or handle production of the looks you see circulating online. We only did the initial shortlist.” Babu said he was taking responsibility for the extent of his involvement in the process. “I have learned lessons when it comes to certain jobs. You do not have to accept every opportunity that comes your way.”

Ababu Namwamba unveils WhozNext for new talents Separately, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba unveiled a new programme, WhozNext, a talent show which will premiere soon. Ababu announced the show’s launch via the Ministry of Youth and Foreign Affairs Creative Economy and Sports account. The CS stated that he was replicating Talanta Hela’s success to benefit Kenya’s creative economy.