The Kenya Golf Open Limited (KGOL) returned Ksh 365,000 unused in the recently held Magical Kenya Ladies Open tournament in Vipingo Ridge.
KGOL chairperson Peter Kanyago, on Wednesday, February 22, made the announcement during a meeting attended by the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
According to Kanyago, KGOL would continue to issue refunds in the future.
“Gentlemen play golf, and we, as the Kenya Golf federation and the entire Kenya golfing fraternity, will ensure that we meet all the requirements of your ministry.
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“For example, in the just concluded Magical Kenya Ladies Open, we submitted our returns within the mandatory 14 days.
“We spent a little bit less than the ministry provided and therefore, we have returned some Ksh 365,000. That just shows how we are committed to following all the requirements of the ministry,” he commented.
The move has amazed many since such action has never been heard before.
Most officials, who head sports federations in Kenya, have been repeatedly accused of squandering money and engaging in corrupt practices.
Radio Jambo sports presenter Fred Arocho is among the thousands of Kenyans awed by the noble gesture.
"The Kenya Golf Open limited has returned an excess of Ksh 365,000 that was left over from the Magical Kenya Ladies Open that was held at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi to the Ministry of Sports. Is this Kenya?" his statement read.
A Facebook user named Paul Juma Otieno described the decision as an act of patriotism.
"Patriotism at a glance, who comes next!" read his comment.
On the other hand, Kepher Maroko could not believe the announcement, terming it a clout-chasing act.
"That is a lie. It is for clout chasing. In Kenya my motherland nothing of that kind!" he ended.
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