This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the country, golf clubs in Kenya have come together to support their caddies, who have been severely impacted by the government's measures to control the spread of the virus.
At Muthaiga Golf Club, 224 members had raised Sh1.2 million for the 210 caddies by April 10, with club captain Sneha Patel stating that the fundraising initiative will continue beyond the initial target.
"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 on Sunday, adding that he had written to the club's board requesting members to increase their contribution.
Patel also revealed that the club has written to the Ministry of Sports through the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) to allow a number of caddies to the golf course for ball spotting only, 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 set up initiatives to support their caddies, with some clubs even providing weekly cash give-aways.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had ordered the closure of all golf clubs and club houses on April 7, with members allowed to play but with no caddies and strict social distancing being observed.
