This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
Kenya: Government Officers to Inspect 11 Stadiums ¶
Published on October 27, 2019
Government officials are set to inspect 11 stadiums across Kenya to determine if the work done is commensurate to the amount taxpayers have paid so far.
The inspection comes after it emerged that despite paying over Sh1.5 billion for upgrading of stadiums, the work done does not correspond to the actual work on the ground.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto had promised to construct five state-of-the-art stadiums in Kisumu, Mombasa, Garissa, Nakuru, and Eldoret in 2013.
Seven regional stadiums were also to be upgraded last year in preparation to host the African Nations Championship (Chan).
However, the work on various stadiums has stalled, and contractors have abandoned sites due to pending bills amounting to Sh898 million.
According to Sports Kenya, the works on various stadiums have stalled, and contractors have abandoned sites. Chuka stadium in Tharaka Nithi County, taxpayers have paid Sh119 million, and a further Sh130.4 million is needed for its completion.
Karatu Stadium in Kiambu County is only 30 percent done with Sh62 million already paid to the contractor and a further Sh198 million needed for its completion.
Phase one upgrade of Kipchoge Keino Stadium needs Sh111 million to be completed, despite having already paid Sh304 million, while phase two of the same stadium requires Sh130.4 million to be completed.
Marsabit Stadium in Marsabit County was to be upgraded at a cost of Sh295 million but only 20 percent of the work has been done, while Sh88 million has already been paid to the contractor, which was awarded to Benisa Ltd.
More shocking is that the Sh88 million was only used to clear the bushes, and then the contractor abandoned the site.
Lawmakers are demanding that Sports Kenya should provide profiles and details of all the contractors, sub-contractors, and consultants that awarded all the stadium tenders.
