Parliament Slams Sports Ministry Over Kipchoge Stadium as Contractor Fails to Mobilize On-Site
“This is a hands-on committee. We are dismayed by the rate of progress, which is totally different from reports furnished to this committee by the Ministry of Sports,” Hon Dan Wanyama.
An Artistic Rendering of the Proposed Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret/Photo Courtesy
The long-delayed renovation of the iconic Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret continues to attract public and parliamentary scrutiny. Amid missed deadlines, controversial procurement practices, and underwhelming progress, the project is once again at the center of national attention as Kenya prepares to co-host a major continental football tournament.
Parliamentary Committee Decries Misinformation and Stalled Works
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, led by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Friday inspected the stadium and expressed deep concern over the project’s stagnation.
“This is a hands-on committee. We are dismayed by the rate of progress, which is totally different from reports furnished to this committee by the Ministry of Sports,” said Wanyama. “The contractor has not moved to site, and very little has been done.”
Yatta MP Basil Robert questioned the legitimacy of the contractor selection process: “This is heartbreaking. Very little progress has been made here. Answers need to be provided on how the Ministry arrived at single-sourcing the current contractor. We will investigate the possible misappropriation of public funds.”
Despite a budget of KSh 3.5 billion, with an initial KSh 300 million scheduled for disbursement to facilitate mobilization, the stadium remains incomplete.
Military Takes Over Supervision, Chinese Firm Handling Construction
In a bid to fast-track progress, the Ministry of Sports officially handed over the renovation works to the Kenya Defence Forces on September 19, 2023. Construction is now being executed by China’s Sinohydro Construction Company, under military supervision—marking a significant shift in oversight following years of delays.
President Ruto’s January Visit: A Renewed Pledge
In early January 2025, President William Ruto visited Kipchoge Keino Stadium, reiterating the government’s resolve to complete the facility. “This stadium is a symbol of our sporting heritage. We are committed to ensuring it’s ready for our athletes and the world stage,” he affirmed during the visit.
CHAN 2025 Postponed: Infrastructure Concerns Delay Continental Tournament
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) postponed the highly anticipated Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) from February to August 2025. Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, is set to co-host the tournament.
CAF cited infrastructure gaps as the primary reason for the delay, stating that additional time is required to bring facilities up to international standards. Technical experts from CAF emphasized the need for “all facilities to meet the high standards required for a successful continental championship.”
Stadium’s Regional Importance and Oversight Strategy
The Kipchoge Keino Stadium holds immense significance for Kenya’s athletics, serving as a training hub for both local and international athletes, particularly from the North Rift region.
The parliamentary committee has confirmed plans to extend its oversight to other stadiums across the country. “This is just the beginning,” Wanyama said. “We will ensure public funds are protected and that our national infrastructure matches our sporting ambitions.”
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