Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen disclosed on Wednesday, 25 September, that the Ministry of Sports currently has no budget allocated for stadium construction across the country.Appearing before the National Assembly, Murkomen emphasized that the only viable solution is to adopt Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to address the development and maintenance of sports facilities.His remarks come amid growing frustration from Kenyans over the delayed completion of iconic stadium projects, including Kamariny Stadium, which is expected to seat 15,000 people when completed, Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret, the 55,000-seater Talanta Sports City, and renovations at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.“We do not have a single allocation from the budget for the construction of any stadium,” Murkomen said, acknowledging the funding shortfall. “We are reviewing the sports policy to find how best the private sector can contribute to improving and maintaining our stadiums.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8361341##Murkomen cited the example of England, where most stadiums are privately owned, with the government only managing Wembley Stadium.He stressed that government ownership of stadiums places an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers.“With the financial challenges we are facing, it makes sense to have private investors manage stadiums,” Murkomen added. “The government should not be in the business of owning stadiums.”We shall develop our sports to a point where the private sector can own thriving stadiums. pic.twitter.com/xnUpUhCQl4— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) September 25, 2024 As Kenya prepares to co-host the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda in February, there is increased pressure to ensure infrastructure readiness.Murkomen assured that Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) and Nyayo National Stadium will be fully upgraded by December, in time for CHAN.AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo blames ‘juju’ for derby mistakes, vows to end Gor Mahia’s dominanceThe construction of Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seater stadium at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi, is expected to be completed by December 2025, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with its East African neighbors.CAF inspectors have recommended MISC and Nyayo National Stadium as the venues for CHAN.Murkomen confirmed that MISC is undergoing significant upgrades, including a new canopy, lighting system, and tartan track, while Nyayo National Stadium, with a seating capacity of 18,000, will receive a new canopy, improved lighting, and a new track.Several training grounds, including MISC Annex, Kenya Academy of Sports, Kirigiti Stadium, Police Sacco Stadium, and Ulinzi Sports Complex, are being prepared to support the event.Murkomen also assured that work on Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, though currently stalled, will resume soon and be completed by December 2025, with a seating capacity of 15,000 and modern facilities.Stars Abroad: Omurwa suffers nightmare debut in Saudi ArabiaEldoret National Polytechnic and 64 Stadium will serve as training grounds for AFCON 2027.“Progress on the Talanta Sports City is at 23 percent, MISC at 47 percent, and Nyayo National Stadium at 10 percent,” Murkomen reported.He added that work at Talanta Sports City is being supervised by the Ministry of Defense and Sports Kenya, while off-site fabrication of MISC’s roof is underway.Meanwhile, the procurement process for Kapsabet Stadium has commenced, with construction at Eldoret Polytechnic and 64 Stadium expected to begin next year.##NAJAVA_MECA_8361715####EDITORS_CHOICE##
