Nairobi: The Cabinet Secretary (CS) in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Mr. Salim Mvurya, has directed the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, to reconcile all outstanding issues pertaining to the construction of Wote Stadium and report to him. Mvurya asked the PS to bring to the fore issues like the amount of money already paid to the contractor and the scope of work that the contractor, Traphes and Nitram Enterprises Limited, was to undertake.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CS expressed his dissatisfaction with the workmanship at the stadium in Makueni County, noting that the delayed completion has denied the youth a place to develop and nurture their sports talent. Mvurya highlighted his concerns about confusion in engineering, financial payments, and the scope of work during his inspection of the stadium. He mentioned the possibility of terminating the contract with the current contractor to ensure progress.
During the inspection, the contractor claimed to have received Sh107 million through the Sports Fund. However, the money supposedly paid through the National Treasury could not be accounted for. The government intended to spend Sh299 million on constructing the stadium, which began in 2017. The original site was abandoned, and a new one was identified in 2020, with an expected completion time of six months.
Mvurya's reaction came in response to requests from local leaders, led by Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, urging the national government to complete the stadium as there are no fields available for the youth to develop their sports talents in the county.
Regarding the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, Mvurya stated that the government has paid the necessary fees to co-host the event in August with Uganda and Tanzania, and preparations, including the rehabilitation of stadiums like Kasarani, are on track. He also mentioned that the country would be ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations Championships (CHAN) jointly with Uganda and Tanzania in 2027.
On sports academies, the CS noted that the government has initiated construction in 37 counties, ensuring that Makueni will also benefit. Principal Secretary Sports Elijah Mwangi, his counterpart for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy Ismael Maalim Madey, Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, and Gender Sports County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sabastian Kyoni were among the leaders present at the event.