This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage in Kenya has taken steps to support vulnerable athletes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the stimulus package, the Ministry has provided a monthly stipend of Sh10,000 for three months to cushion athletes from various Sports Federations in the country.
Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor Hassan announced that Sh21,990,000 has been paid out to 2,199 athletes and technical officials drawn from various clubs and federations.
‘’We are glad to report that the first tranche of the cash transfer has been effected,’’ Hassan said.
He added that approximately 250 athletes are in the process of being paid, with the amounts being paid directly to the athletes through their mobile telephone numbers or through guardians introduced by respective federations for those who do not have valid National ID Cards.
The Ministry has received support from strategic partners, including Betika, which has donated Sh15,000,000, and other Sports betting firms that have contributed Sh5,000,000.
Other sponsors have also donated food packages directly to the athletes through this program, with over 300 athletes receiving the packages.
The Sports Arts and Social Development Fund has approved Sh54 Million to be used for the exercise.
‘’We hope that this cushioning will enable the athletes to continue training at home without undue pressure in preparation of resumption of Sports activities and competitions once we reopen,’’ Hassan said.
He reiterated that sports could resume with respect to health protocols as they looked forward to further ease the restrictions for other sports disciplines to ensure the safety of athletes.
