This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, Kenyan golf clubs have come together to support their caddies, who have been severely affected by the suspension of sporting activities.
According to reports, the European Tour-sanctioned Magical Kenya Open, which was scheduled to take place from March 12 to 15, has been postponed, leaving hundreds of caddies without a source of income.
However, some clubs, such as Karen Country Club, have established benevolent funds to cater for the caddies' welfare. The club's General Manager, Sam Mwai, explained that the fund was created years ago to provide for the caddies' medical care, education, and other essential services.
“Through the Fund, we pay National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), school fees for their children from Primary through to university. We also have a basic medical and pension scheme from this fund,” Mwai said.
At Karen Country Club, every member contributes Sh1,000 annually towards the fund, and with the COVID-19 crisis, the club is also providing caddies with Sh2,000 weekly vouchers for food and essential items.
Other clubs, such as Limuru Country Club, have also established funds to support their caddies. The club's captain, Fred Ikana, said that they have been able to give their caddies shopping vouchers and food rations to cushion them in the current situation.
Meanwhile, over 100 caddies and casual workers at Ruiru Sports Club have benefitted from food donations made by the facility's members to cushion them from the impact of COVID-19.
At Thika Sports Club, a caddies welfare fund was set up three weeks ago by club members, with a total of Sh215,300 contributed by club members and a committee set up to manage the fund distributed foodstuff worth Sh143,717 to 124 caddies.
