Senior officials from the Sports Ministry were summoned to State House today to explain the expenditure of Ksh 1.057 billion on consultancy services for African Cup of Nations (Afcon) stadium projects. Led by Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, along with representatives from Sports Kenya and the Sports Fund, the officials are accused of approving payments to private consultants in violation of a directive from President William Ruto.
A high-level source at State House revealed that the officials were questioned shortly after 2 p.m. The investigation centres on the Sports Fund board, responsible for project approvals and payments. The board includes Tum, Health PS Harry K. Kimtai, Education PS Belio Kipsang, Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, and Sports Fund Chairman Jack Tuwei. Alongside the consultancy costs, Ksh 700 million was allocated for construction at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, and Ksh 167.35 million for the Kenya Sports Academy in Nairobi.
For the 2023/2024 financial year, the ministry had earmarked Ksh 1.533 billion for the construction of 30 stadiums across various constituencies. However, the extravagant spending on questionable consultancies has ignited public outcry, with calls for accountability and transparency.
“These consultancies blatantly disregarded the President’s directive,” said a source within the Sports Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The PS and other officials must explain how millions were funneled to well-connected individuals for services with no tangible results. There could be serious consequences as the Sports Fund appears to have turned into a source of corruption.”
Officials are now expected to provide details on how consultancy services were advertised, submit evaluation reports, award letters, contracts, funding sources, and disclose the identities of the consultants involved. There are also growing concerns about possible links between the consultancy firms and key ministry figures, including PS Tum, Sports Kenya CEO Pius Metto, and Sports Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim.
The ministry’s defiance of a presidential order prohibiting private consultants for Afcon 2027 preparations has further intensified the scrutiny. Additionally, there are allegations that senior ministry officials exploited the leadership vacuum following President Ruto’s dismissal of all Cabinet Secretaries on July 1 to secure questionable deals, undermining Kenya’s bid to co-host the Afcon tournament.
