This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised financial support to athletes struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to the media, President Kenyatta said, "I can assure you we have not forgotten our athletes. We know they are suffering." He added, "We have the National Sports Fund which we will use to get money and help support them at these difficult times."
For AFC Leopards midfielder Marvin Omondi, the promise comes as a relief. The 20-year-old has not received his salary since August last year, when the club's sponsor, SportPesa, stopped their partnership.
"It is good news the President has finally remembered us," Omondi said in an exclusive interview with Nation Sport. "I last received my (monthly) salary in August (last year). We were in pre-season in Mumias at the time and the sponsor (SportPesa) had stopped their partnership with the club."
Kenyan football is currently at a standstill following an order by Sports CS Amina Mohamed for the closure of all sports facilities in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. All football matches in the country have been suspended indefinitely, leading to a loss of revenue to players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders.
