Constraints Experienced by Elite Athletes with Disabilities in Kenya, with Implications for the Development of a New Hierarchical Model of Constraints at the Societal Level

The purpose of this study was to investigate the constraints to the development of elite sport for people with disabilities in Kenya. A grounded theory research design was utilized to analyze the data collected by means of personal in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in 2003 in Nairobi, Kenya with five athletes on the Kenya Paralympic Team and five administrators supporting the Kenya Paralympic team. Seven major themes were identified with respect to the constraints faced by athletes and administrators. Issues related to negative attitudes toward people with disabilities, coaching, equipment, facilities, transportation, ethnic favoritism, and lack of financial resources proved to be the biggest constraints identified by the respondents. Based on the findings of this study we developed a hierarchical model of constraints at the societal level and put forth propositions that explain its operation.