'Broke' Kenyan footballers remind government of stimulus package
From Left: Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Sports, Heritage and Culture Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, Tharaka-Nithi Senator Prof Kithure Kindiki, and Chuka/Igambangombe Member of Parliament Patrick Munene during an inspection tour of Kirubia Stadium on June 27, 2020. CS said the remaining work on the stadium will be complete by the end of next month so that it can be handed over to the public for use. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- These funds are part of the Sh50 million released by the Ministry of Sports in May following an outcry over an indefinite ban on sporting activities in the country as a way of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
- The cash was availed from the Sports Fund.
Kenyan footballers have reminded the government to follow through the 'Stimulus package' pledge.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed in May promised each local based footballer a Sh30,000 stipend to cushion them against the effects of the coronavirus.
This amount was to be distributed in three equal monthly installments from May and while the initial installment was delivered on May 30, there have since been no additional payments.
"We are not demanding (for the payments). This is just a polite reminder for the government to come to our aid because we are struggling and cannot play football. Neither can we train," explained one footballer, who spoke to Nation Sport off the record.
Mohamed announced on July 2 that the remaining monies will be disbursed in the 'next few days'.
"The second disbursement of the Stimulus package stipend to 2500 national team athletes, including Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and Women's Premier League (WPL) footballers will be effected in the course of the week," she explained.
These funds are part of the Sh50 million released by the Ministry of Sports in May following an outcry over an indefinite ban on sporting activities in the country as a way of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
The cash was availed from the Sports Fund.
