Government okays return of fans into stadia

The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has announced it is ready to welcome back a limited number of fans into stadiums following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to lift the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed to contain COVID-19 in the country.

“Following the H.E the President’s announcement on revising the Covid-19 protocols and subsequent discussions between the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amina Mohamed and the CS for Health Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, spectators will now be allowed into stadiums. Event organizers are expected to ensure they utilize upto 2/3rds capacity of the stadia,” read a statement from the Ministry of Sports.

“For local events, the event organizers shall be expected to provide prior written approvals of the number of spectators allowable for the event by the federation registered in Kenya.

“For international events, a similar approval shall be required from the local and international federation. Further, event organizers must demonstrate to the Ministry and Sports Kenya, their capacity to secure and manage their spectators and property during such events.

“All the other Resumption of Sports Protocols remain in force.”

On Friday, Gor Mahia issued a statement saying the government had approved supporters to cheer the team during their CAF Confederations Cup clash against Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan on Sunday in Nairobi.

“Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed to watch our second leg CAF match against Al Ahly set for Sunday at Nyayo Stadium; the Ministry of Health and Federation have already approved,” K’ogallo posted on its official social media pages.

The government suspended sporting activities in March 2020 when the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the country.

In November 2020, the suspension of sporting activities was lifted but the fans were left out.

PHOTO/COURTESY