- The Ministry of Sports disbursed some Sh20 million stimulus package to cushion vulnerable sportsmen and women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nzoia Sugar FC was in the list of the beneficiaries. They expressed gratitude to the government for cushioning Kenyan Premier League players with a three-month KSh10,000 package.
Sport’s governing body halted the league due to the current pandemic. The suspension disrupted the players’ sole source of income. Thankfully the government stepped in and made the promise to assist the stars with a three-month package.
Mwaura said the move was good for the players who “had been overlooked for many years”.
“We want to thank the government for the token they sent us. It will go a long way in helping the players during this Covid-19 period where they cannot make a living through other economic activities,” Mwaura said.
“I also want to thank the Sports Cabinet Secretary [Amina] Mohammed for this noble gesture. Sportsmen have been overlooked for many years and for once they have been appreciated.” He added.
The move by the Ministry of Sports and Culture was appreciated vulnerable footballer while at the same time some individuals found the effort too minor.
On one hand, FKF presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya was the first to express a contrary opinion as he considered the fact that players had gone for months without pay.
“Ksh 10K for each beneficiary is grossly unfair, the ratio between the salaries of older married veteran players with wives plus children is at least 3:1 and between a senior coach and young player at least 6:1 or higher,” Nyamweya said.
On the other hand Herbert Mwachiro, another figure eying the top FKF seat, Praised the move by the government.
“It’s a great step from Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina [Mohamed], it shows that the government is listening and this is the kind of proactive leadership that sportspersons have been waiting for,” Mwachiro said.
