PGK
PGK in race to comply with new
Sports Act
S
everal professional golfers
could be locked out of the
game if they fail to comply with
the tough licensing requirements
imposed by the government under
the Sports Act. The professional
Golfers of Kenya, PGK, is currently
grappling with the reality that the
stringent conditions may be a tough
mountain to climb for some of its
members.
The Sports Act requires all
professional athletes to get a
license from the government.
The license which is renewable
after every two years is granted
subject to obtaining clearance from
numerous institutions. Among the
requirements, athletes must get a
certificate of good and clearance
from Kenya Revenue Authority for
tax compliance certificate, Higher
Education Loans Board, Credit
Reference Bureau and health
certification.
“Actually this was enacted in 2013
so it’s been in play almost seven
years. The government has now
started tightening the screw. Once
you get the requisite clearances, you
lodge those papers at the Registrar
of sports. Anybody who wants to
turn pro now needs to be aware
of the fact that they need to get
that license before we can approve
their application,” said Charan Tethy,
Chairman Professional Golfers of
Kenya, PGK.
So far about 15 professional golfers
have acquired the new permits
and PGK has now asked its entire
membership to move fast and
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David Opati