This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, led by Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, launched a relief initiative to support vulnerable athletes affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The drive, which kicked off in Kericho, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties, aims to benefit over 1,500 athletes in various sporting codes.
Marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who has taken time off his busy training schedule to personally deliver foodstuff, has partnered with the ministry to make this initiative a success. The drive is a timely and spot-on response to the plight of fledgling sportspeople who eke out a living from sport, which has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged Sh100 million for artistes, while Fifa has allocated Sh50 million to Football Kenya Federation to assist vulnerable footballers. It is essential that these funds reach the intended beneficiaries without any diversion.
As the initiative rolls out countrywide, we urge corporate bodies and individuals of good financial standing to support the suffering athletes at their hour of need. We also appeal to those deserving beneficiaries who have not received their package to be patient, as the ministry plans to ensure that everyone is reached.
