Kenyan golf clubs close following Health CS Kagwe's directive

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe ordered the closure of all golf clubs following the spread of the coronavirus. He noted sporting clubs were not observing social distancing protocols, saying such places could easily be virus-passing hotspots. [Photo: Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Three Kenyan golf clubs have been temporarily closed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The moves come a day after Health CS Mutahi Kagwe ordered the closure of all golf clubs in the country following the spread of Covid-19.

The Royal Nairobi Golf Club will now be closed in the next 21 days, reads a notice seen by Game Yetu.

“The Board would like to inform esteemed members that effective yesterday 7 April 2020, 6:00pm, the entire golf course will be closed for the next 21 days.

“We will continue to consistently monitor the situation and keep abreast with updates from the Government and the Ministry of Health and keep you well informed. Stay safe to play golf later,” reads part of the notice.

The Karen Country Club’s golf course and the practice range have been closed indefinitely to adhere to Government measures.

“Kindly continue to adhere to all measures previously shared by the Government as we look forward to an end of this pandemic,” reads a notice sent on Tuesday, April 7, to golfing members.

The Thika Sports Club will also not be available for any golfing activities until further notice.

“There have been various attempts to interpret the CS's directive which have led to a bit of confusion. The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is seeking clarification over the same. Until we have an official position on the matter, the course will remain closed,” a letter signed by the Golf Captain, Edward Nyamu, reads.

Further to the Government directives, the Kenya Golf Union has suspended all handicaps in the country for a period of 30 days.

“All clubs are therefore not allowed to hold any competitions that require golf handicaps for this period. Clubs must stop organising all formal competitions to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” reads a statement by KGU.

CS Kagwe on Tuesday announced 14 new confirmed cases in the country, bringing the total number of infected people to 172.

His announcement came a day after the death of former Mombasa Golf Club captain Mark Mbua.

According to reports, the 51-year-old died on Sunday morning, April 5 at around 5 am while admitted at the Coast General Hospital.

The 51-year-old was the general manager in charge of terminals for logistics at Mitchell Cotts.

A golf official revealed Mbua succumbed to the coronavirus while isolated and undergoing medical treatment.

He was admitted to hospital on March 30.