Conformity and the Safeguarding of Respectability: The Experiences of Kenyan Female Distance Runners in Japan

Kenyan runners of both genders migrate to Japan to pursue projects of social and economic mobility for themselves and their families. There is a commonly held perception in Kenya that migrants, and more specifically migrant athletes, earn vast sums of money that they should distribute generously. Many Kenyans expect that their relationship with an athlete will guarantee miraculous socioeconomic transformations amidst the uncertainties of rural life. This reality serves as a daily reminder for Kenyans who secured a ticket to Japan, pushing them to find ways to satisfy the many people back in Kenya who are dependent on them. Meanwhile, they must carefully avoid compromising their own short-term way of life, nest egg, and social reputation. The challenges female runners undergo to cement their respectability differ greatly from their male counterparts. Gendered expectations in Kenya ensure that female athletes conform by prioritising that the fragility of masculinity is nurtured by appeasing surrounding male figures. The ability for the Kenyan female runners to delicately meet the expectations bound by cultural norms is crucial for safeguarding their own standing and well-being. Their future in Kenya depends on it.