This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
Kenya's sports sector has suffered significantly due to the delay in the construction and renovation of stadia, with several projects remaining incomplete or abandoned.
When the Jubilee government took power in 2017, Kenyans were optimistic that several stadia would be built to promote sports in the country. However, the projects have not been completed, and the country missed an opportunity to host the 2018 CHAN Championship.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into the management of funds by Sports Kenya. The probe is based on a report by the Office of the Auditor-General for the year 2017/18, which is currently before the National Assembly.
According to the report, Sports Kenya was given the mandate and funds to renovate five premium pitches and ten training grounds. The projects were to be completed within 14 weeks in readiness for the January 2018 CHAN Championship. However, two years later, the projects have not been finished, and Kenya missed a great opportunity to showcase its tourism potential and boost local businesses.
Five Premium Stadia Renovation ¶
The five premium pitches that were to be renovated included Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kinoru Stadium (Meru), Kipchoge Keino Stadium (Uasin Gishu), and Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
A Sh1.609 billion tender for the five premium pitches was awarded to M/s Audited Kenya limited. However, as of April 12, 2019, the contractor had only presented the designs for the contracted works and not done anything more.
Another contract worth Sh971,457,265 was awarded to M/s Gregori International SA for the renovation of the five pitches and Sports Kenya was to supervise and certify the work done. However, as of April 12, 2019, only one of the ten pitches had been renovated.
Eight County Stadia ¶
Gregori International was also given the contract to work on stadiums in Meru and Eldoret. However, the company carried minimal works at Kinoru stadium and never did any works at Kipchoge Keino stadium or any other training grounds in the two towns despite being paid.
The eight county stadia to be worked on include Kamariny stadium (Elgeyo Marakwet), Ruringu stadium (Nyeri), Kipchoge Keino stadium (Uasin Gishu), Karatu Ndarugu (Kiambu), and Wote stadium (Makueni). The others are Marsabit Stadium (Marsabit), Kirubia stadium (Tharaka Nithi), and Kinoru Stadium in Meru.
