Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta has suspended all sporting activities across the nation indefinitely due to a surge in new coronavirus cases.
The country is experiencing what seems like a third wave as the samples collected are returning positive results. And the head of state has announced the measures – according to him – are aimed at containing the virus, which includes suspension of sporting activities in the country.
This is the second time sporting activities have been halted after a similar order was issued in March 2020, when the first cases of the pandemic were recorded in Kenya.
Sporting activities were first suspended during the first Coronavirus pandemic in March after cases were recorded. And this will be the second time a similar order will be given to halt all sporting activities.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, Kenyan Women Premier League, the National Super League, which are at different stages means they will have to stop.
“To avert a national health crisis and upon the advice of the national security council, the council of governors, and also in keeping with the recommendations of the national emergency response committee on Covid-19, I hereby issue the public order No. 2 of 2021 on the coronavirus pandemic,” President Kenyatta’s statement read.
“All public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature are suspended within the counties of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru until further notice.
“All sporting activities are hereby suspended, similarly operations of sporting and recreational facilities including members clubs are suspended until it is otherwise directed.
“That in line with the directive on public gatherings including social gatherings, the following measures are to come into effect commencing Midnight on Friday, 26th March 2021.”
However, the Harambee Stars departure plan to face Togo for their final Group G Afcon qualifier is not affected as the suspension does not affect both domestic and international travels.
The statement further read…”That all persons coming into the country must be in possession of a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate, acquired no more than 96 hours prior to arrival into the country; with the PCR Certificate also having been validated under the trusted travel platform for those travelling by air,”
The Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa also confirmed that the national side will travel to face their opponent in Lome on Saturday for the March 29 qualifier.
Mwendwa told goal.com after the decision by Kenyatta…
“The plane is awaiting the team at the airport for our journey tomorrow [Saturday],”
“All the other leagues will remain suspended and I cannot say when they will tentatively resume for sure.”
The nation’s Premier league is ongoing with 16 games played. Tusker is the one leading with 36 points as Zoo FC, Mathare United, and Vihiga United are battling in the relegation zone.