This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
On March 26, President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended sports activities in Kenya for the second time, sparking anxiety among athletes and sports enthusiasts. However, the ban was lifted on Labour Day, with the President directing the ministries of Health and Sports to issue regulations for the resumption of sports.
As sports resume, athletes, officials, and fans can expect new guidelines and rules to ensure their safety. Handshakes and high-fives may be banned, and alternative social distancing celebrations will be enforced. Leagues will opt to play matches in empty stadiums and venues, with no crowds allowed.
With the sports sector hard hit by the Covid-19 break, the government is expected to play a key role in the recovery process. The Ministry of Sports and county governments should step in to help cushion the critically affected areas, offering free or subsidised venues for use.
As the sports industry looks to recover, it is crucial that the government leads from the front, offering support and guidance to ensure healthy and sustainable development. The future of sports in Kenya hangs in the balance, and it is up to the government to ensure that the sector bounces back stronger than ever.
