Gov't lift ban on spectators at stadiums

Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage has announced that spectators will now be allowed into stadiums during games.

This follows President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to vacate the nationwide dusk to dawn curfew imposed to curb coronavirus in the country.

"Following the H.E the President's announcement on revising the Covid-19 protocols and subsequent discussions between the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amina Mohamed and the CS for Health Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, spectators will now be allowed into stadiums. Event organizers are expected to ensure they utilize upto 2/3rd capacity of the stadia," read the statement from the Ministry of Sports .

For other sporting activities and entertainment events, a limited number of fans will be allowed with the  organizers expected to provide prior written approvals.

“For local events, the event organizers shall be expected to provide prior written approvals of the number of spectators allowable for the event by the federation registered in  Kenya,” added the statement.

“For international events, a similar approval shall be required from the local and international federation. Further, event organizers must demonstrate to the Ministry and Sports Kenya, their capacity to secure and manage their spectators and property during such events. 

“All the other Resumption of Sports Protocols remain in force.”

The announcement comes hours after Perennial Football Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia issued a statement indicating that the government has okayed fans to cheer them during their CAF Cup clash against Al Ahly Marowe of Sudan on Sunday at the Nyayo Stadium.

"Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed to watch our second leg CAF match against Al Ahly set for Sunday at Nyayo Stadium; the Ministry of Health and Federation have already approved" Gor Mahia tweeted.

The government banned fans from attending sporting activities in March 2020 when local cases of Covid-19 were reported in the country.