This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
On April 10, 224 members of Muthaiga Golf Club had collectively raised Sh1.2 million for their 210 caddies through an initiative called the 'Shikilia Caddies Welfare Initiative.'
Club captain Sneha Patel acknowledged that while the amount raised was significant, it was still insufficient to meet the needs of the caddies, with each caddy set to receive Sh5,000.
Patel expressed gratitude to members who had contributed to the initiative, but emphasized that more was needed to support the caddies and their families, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If you divide the amount we have raised by the total number of caddies, you will find that each caddy will get Sh5,000, and for sure this is very little," Patel said.
Patel also revealed that the club had written to the Ministry of Sports through the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) to request permission for a limited number of caddies to be allowed on the golf course for ball spotting purposes, with strict social distancing measures in place.
Other golf clubs, including Golf Park, Karen Country Club, Vet Lab Sports Club, Thika Sports Club, and Royal Nairobi Golf Club, have also initiated similar support programs for their caddies.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had ordered the closure of all golf clubs and clubhouses on April 7, citing the need to control the spread of COVID-19.
