It’s time to release ‘return to sports’ guide

It has been eight weeks since the Cabinet Secretary for Sports announced a committee would come up with guidelines for a return to sporting activities in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Creditably, the ministry has done well to rally sponsors to come to the aid of athletes by distributing foodstuff to those who need it. The stimulus programme, where national team sportsmen women, as well as Kenyan Premier League players, were granted Sh10,000 a month, is commendable.

However, this initiative is not sustainable given the well-wishers who contributed this kitty are also feeling the raging effects of the pandemic. It is for this reason that there was optimism when the ministry asked the committee to come up with protocols to restart sporting activities. We have seen major football leagues in Europe restarted and concluded, including continental tournaments.

The World Athletics Diamond League is up and running. Although most marathons around the world have been cancelled, the London Marathon is on this October with world record holder Eliud Kipchoge set to take part.

The Magical Kenya Open Golf tournament at Karen Golf and Country Club is also coming up in November. Kenya will also host the inaugural World Athletics Continental Tour at Nyayo Stadium on October 3, and local athletes should be enabled to train adequately for the event.

Yet, the Kenya Premier League, and other leagues, are in limbo. The return of these sporting activities depends on the regulations the Sports ministry comes up with. It is time to release the guidelines.