This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
The Kisii Members Club, a 26-acre facility founded in 1914, has been closed indefinitely.
The closure comes amid allegations of mismanagement, with staff members going unpaid for three months and facilities in a deplorable state.
According to sources, the club's management committee has been in office for three years, despite regulations requiring annual elections to select new officials.
The club's treasurer recently resigned, citing medical reasons, and the executive has not held a meeting for months, citing difficulty in achieving quorum.
It is reported that the club is in arrears of Sh5 million, which has not been collected from members who are allegedly unwilling to contribute, citing lack of value for money.
Naftal Obwocha, a former member, withdrew his membership in October 2020, citing the committee's failure to pay employees on time, sell off assets illegally, and settle debts owed to suppliers.
As of 2021, the club's active membership had reduced from 150 in 2018 to 30, with the golf team losing at least six members to Kericho due to an ongoing dispute between the Golf Course Committee and the Club's Executive Committee.
Club chairperson Andrew Kombo attributed the migration of golfers to the normal movement of people and blamed the club's woes on the adverse effects of Covid-19, including the ban on sporting activities.
On salaries, Kombo said the club has an elaborate plan to settle employees' dues before it gets too late.
Published on June 22, 2021, by The Standard.
