For an American journalist there are few things more heady than your first press pass. The rush of power you get from being on the other side of the rope is mildly intoxicating, and even the most seasoned sports journalist has to admit the rush that comes with meeting one of your idols.
So imagine my surprise when I was chatting on the sidelines of Nairobi City Stadium with one of my colleagues in the sports department today, and...
Reporter: I think our Prime Minister is really laid back. He's cool, I like him.
Me: Oh yeah? Why do you say that?
Reporter: You know he really likes sports, and this one time I was talking to him...
Me: Wait, have you met him?
Reporter: Oh yeah, plenty of times! He loves sports, so he's always around.
My country's leader loves sports too, and you don't see him and Rachel Nichols chatting on the sidelines. But here in Kenya, the PM sits front row center at rugby tournaments and football matches, and he's happy to interview with the local sports media about it.
On the issue of access - Advantage: Kenya.
