The parliamentary committee on sports, chaired by Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama, expressed frustration over projects delayed for years despite receiving exorbitant funding. Seven regional stadia, Ruringu, Wote, Kinoru, Kirubia, Marsabit, Kamariny, and Kipchoge Keino (Phase I), have been in progress since FY 2016/2017. Others, including Bukhungu, Masinde Muliro, and Kiprugut Chumo Stadiums, commenced in FY 2023/2024 but show minimal progress
Lawmakers have called for a forensic audit by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu to investigate suspected financial improprieties in the implementation of sports stadia projects overseen by Sports Kenya and the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF). This directive comes in response to revelations of massive delays and questionable expenditures, despite billions of shillings already invested in the projects.
Key issues flagged include Ksh 3.78 billion spent on Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Stadia consultancy and feasibility studies, with only 5% of the work reportedly completed. Additionally, the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani renovation is only 20% complete, despite consuming Sh 3.5 billion.
The AFCON 2027 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is fast approaching, with lawmakers urging the timely completion of the stadiums to meet international standards. They also demanded an account of the Sh 14.43 billion collected in FY 2023/2024, with a report due within a month.
The parliamentary committee on sports, chaired by Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama, expressed frustration over projects delayed for years despite receiving exorbitant funding. Seven regional stadia, Ruringu, Wote, Kinoru, Kirubia, Marsabit, Kamariny, and Kipchoge Keino (Phase I), have been in progress since FY 2016/2017. Others, including Bukhungu, Masinde Muliro, and Kiprugut Chumo Stadiums, commenced in FY 2023/2024 but show minimal progress.
Audit Findings Highlight Grim Progress and Cost Overruns
- -Talanta Sports City: 20% complete despite Sh 45 million spent.
- Kipchoge Keino Stadium: Phase I and II terminated at 90% and 77% completion, costing Sh 695.51 million.
- Malinya Stadium: 6% complete after Sh 332 million spent.
- Kasarani Access Gate and Hostel: 85% complete with Sh 424 million sunk.
- Kirubia Stadium: 89% complete but pending bills remain unpaid.
- Masinde Muliro Stadium: 77% complete, having consumed Sh 799.16 million.
The committee also questioned a Sh 1 billion expenditure on AFCON stadia consultancy and another Sh 1.5 billion on feasibility studies for constituency sports academies, with the latter showing only 2% progress.
Lawmakers instructed the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Defence to expedite renovations to ensure compliance with FIFA standards ahead of AFCON 2027 and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025. These renovations include improving seating areas, VIP lounges, floodlights, security systems, and disability access.
Despite assurances of completion timelines, in December 2024 for Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia and December 2025 for Talanta Sports City, concerns linger over the management and oversight of the funds. Legislators stressed that prioritizing digitization efforts and addressing pending bills is critical for accountability and project success.
With billions of taxpayer funds at stake, the looming audit seeks to unveil the root causes of inefficiencies and establish accountability, as Kenya prepares to host Africa’s most prestigious football tournaments.
