The government is spending a total of Sh57 billion to construct and rehabilitate key sports facilities in preparation for the upcoming AFCON and CHAN championships, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya told MPs that Sh44.7 billion has been set aside for Talanta stadium with Sh2 billion, which is a portion of the funds having already been paid to the Chinese firm contracted to build it.
The new stadium, she revealed, is currently 37 per cent complete, with the works expected to be completed by February 28, 2026.
Tuya made the disclosure when she appeared before the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture to appraise members on the status of projects undertaken in preparation for the AFCON and CHAN Championships.
On the ongoing renovation of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the venue for the CHAN football bonanza to be held in August this year, the CS stated that Sh3.6 billion will be used to fund the first phase of rehabilitation.
“Phase two of changing the status of Kasarani will cost another Sh3.1 billion to make the facility eligible to host AFCON,” Tuya told the committee.
As for the Nyayo National Stadium, Tuya, who was accompanied by Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, said Sh1.1 billion has been budgeted for renovations.
“Already, Sh200 million has been paid for the works done on the Stadium, another venue for CHAN,” said Tuya.
Another stadium earmarked to host CHAN is Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, which the CS said will consume more than Sh3.5 billion.
She further indicated that already Sh300 million has been spent on the Stadium.
The CS further told the committee that the renovation of the Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex cost Sh582 million and Sh490 million, respectively.
She noted that CAF recommended the upgrading of Police Sacco and Ulinzi Sports Complex, which will be used as training grounds for teams that will feature in the CHAN championship.
“Significant progress has been made on all the stadiums, and we are confident of beating the deadline set by CAF,” she said.
The CS said hosting of the prestigious championship would come with many benefits, alongside putting Kenya on the international map in the sporting arena.
“The hosting of the AFCON championship is not only a matter of national pride but has many economic benefits,” said the CS.
On vandalism of the stadium by fans, the CS pleaded with football supporters to be responsible during matches, noting that destruction of the facilities was costly to the taxpayers.
She said:
“The host country has the privilege of taking part in the championship and therefore a motivation to our football players and entertain fans who will turn up to watch football greats in Africa.”
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
