Kisii senator Richard Onyonka has demanded accountability from Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on the usage of billions of shillings by the Ministry of Sports in readiness for African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The Ministry came on the spotlight in early October for extravagance and usage of money in questionable ways, Onyonka taking the matter to the senate.CS Murkomen confirms ‘sacking’ of Harambee Stars coachIn a statement read on his behalf by Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina, Onyonka sought answers to four main questions beginning with budgetary allocation.“Could the CS indicate the respective state of operation of all the sports stadia in Kenya, and provide details of the budgetary allocation and utilization for their development from the 2020/2021 financial year to date as well as the timelines for their completion,” he posed.Kenyans made an outcry when it emerged that Ksh3.1 billion had been used for the renovation of Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and now Onyonka is seeking to know how much it has cost the tax payer to maintain all the stadiums.##NAJAVA_MECA_8512082##“What specific funds have been allocated and disbursed towards the refurbishment and maintenance of existing sports stadia to ensure they meet international standards, in light of Kenya’s bid to co-host the AFCON tournament in 2027, and could the CS outline measures put in place to ensure long-term sustainability and proper management of these facilities,” the statement continued.The much talked about consultancy costs also found itself on the floor of the house after it emerged that the ministry spent KshI.35 billion for consultancy and another Ksh1.5 billion for feasibility studies.“Could the CS state the scope and costs associated with consultancy services for stadia development, including their design, feasibility study and project management, and also provide information on whether these services have been subjected to competitive procurement processes,” he sought.Triple nominations for Kenya’s U-17 team at CAF awardsFinally, the former assistant minister for Foreign Affairs sought to know the sustainable measures put in place to develop and maintain stadiums in the country.“What measures has the Ministry put in place to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in development of these stadia to reduce the financial burden on Government, particularly, in preparation for hosting AFCON?” he further questioned.To resolve the decades-old challenge regarding the maintenance of our sports stadia in the wake of budgetary constraints, the Ministry is adopting a sustainable model in the ongoing construction and renovation of sports facilities to make them multi-use and attract corporate… pic.twitter.com/ofn25zUkwP— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) November 20, 2024
