The Government of Kenya has postponed all international events set to be hosted in the country for the time being, which means next week’s Kenya Open has been suspended.
The event, presented by ABSA on the European Tour, was supposed to start next week Thursday at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi but the Kenyan authorities will only review the coronavirus situation and the effect it’s had on the country in a month’s time.
Chief Executive of the European Tour Keith Pelley has welcomed the decision by the government and is hoping the European Tour can reschedule the event for a later stage in the season.
READ: Bezuidenhout three behind after opening 68
‘I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Kenyan Government for their unwavering support, alongside Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Peter Kanyago and Tournament Director Patrick Obath for their strenuous efforts and commitment. We look forward to returning to Kenya in due course.
‘We understand and totally respect the decision made by the Government of Kenya in these difficult times,’ said Pelley.
The last few days have seen a number of sports organisations put measurements in place to eliminate the risk of the virus in a sports environment.
Many football matches in Italy have been scheduled to be played behind closed doors, while two Six Nations matches, involving the Italian national rugby team, have also been postponed.
