This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage in Kenya published guidelines for the resumption of sports, sparking hope for the return of popular leagues and events.
The protocols, developed with input from sports federations and stakeholders, draw heavily from Ministry of Health guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Key changes at sports events include the ban on press conferences, hugs, and handshakes, as well as the prohibition on exchanging uniforms.
Health breaks for athletes to hydrate are also recommended, and venues must comply with a raft of protocols before hosting events.
Organisers will need to provide an action plan, and health checks and screenings for athletes will be mandatory.
Athletes and personnel must wear masks and observe social distance, and venues must keep a temporary record of attendees for up to 30 days to facilitate contact tracing.
Cleaning and disinfection of handrails, public areas, and storage areas will be mandatory, and preparations must be made to isolate any suspected COVID-19 cases.
Indoor sports facilities will also have to comply with new measures, including providing solid partitions in shared areas and limiting access to changing rooms and showers.
Swimming pools and aquatic sports venues will remain closed, but the Ministry has promised to review the matter at a later date.
Post-competition guidelines, including waste disposal and limiting post-event meetings, have also been provided.
Minister Amina Mohammed welcomed feedback and input from stakeholders and the public on the protocols, which are subject to modification depending on the rate of infection and public health policy changes.
