MPs express concerns with stadium set to host 2024 CHAN
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 12.04.25. | 21:31
The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture reaffirmed its commitment to securing adequate and prompt funding for the ongoing stadium projects
A Parliamentary Committee has pledged to ensure the timely completion of stadia under construction in preparation for Kenya’s hosting of key continental football events—the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture reaffirmed its commitment to securing adequate and prompt funding for the ongoing stadium projects.
The team stressed the need for the timely disbursement of allocated funds to avoid delays that have historically stalled similar undertakings.
Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama underscored funding bottlenecks and sluggish procurement processes as the primary reasons for project stagnation.
"The committee is committed to ensuring that funds are not only allocated in the budget but also released on time," said Wanyama.
"As an oversight body, we will ensure construction and renovations are completed within the set timelines."
He further noted that President William Ruto had made it clear that stadia must be ready to host CHAN and AFCON matches, calling it a top priority for the government.
“As a committee responsible for oversight of the Sports Ministry, we are duty-bound to ensure the President's agenda is fully realized,” Wanyama added.
The Webuye West MP made these remarks at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County during a fact-finding tour of stadium projects across the Western region.
The tour aimed to assess the readiness of facilities slated for the upcoming continental tournaments.
The committee also visited Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu County, as well as Bukhungu and Malinya stadia in Kakamega County.
At Kipchoge Keino Stadium, members expressed concern over renovation delays at the iconic venue, which holds a special place in the hearts of Kenyan athletes.
The stadium—alongside Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi—is earmarked to host CHAN fixtures in August.
Yatta MP Basil Robert raised questions over the procurement process, challenging the government's decision to single-source China's Sinohydro Construction Company after terminating the contract of the initial contractor.
“Why was Sinohydro selected without competitive bidding, and why did they demand a 20 percent down payment before beginning work?” he questioned.
Wanyama echoed these concerns, noting that the lack of an upfront payment had stalled the contractor's mobilization.
“If a company is single-sourced, it means they’re trusted to deliver—so why the need for a down payment before mobilization?” he posed.
Janet Sitienei urged the contractor to ensure the installation of a high-quality tartan track, given the stadium’s importance to athletes.
Caroli questioned the absence of heavy machinery on-site, saying, “We expected to see tangible signs of progress.”
The Committee disclosed that Ksh3.5 billion had been earmarked for renovations, with Ksh300 million allocated specifically for contractor mobilization.
The Kenya Defence Forces have been assigned to supervise construction at the Eldoret facility.
At Bukhungu Stadium, MPs voiced their dissatisfaction over the first phase of the project, which failed to consider accessibility for persons living with disabilities.
The Committee lauded the national government’s decision to take over the remaining phases of the project from the county government, a move expected to expedite the stadium’s completion.
During the inspection, Wanyama and his team were joined by officials from the Sports Ministry as they assessed progress at Masinde Muliro Stadium and other sites in the region.
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