The National Assembly has approved enough funds to complete the construction of stadiums across the country.
The Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture Dan Wanyama who is also the Member of Parliament for Webuye West said they now expect contractors to be on-site and complete the stadiums while asking county governments to settle pending bills.
He noted that Kenya has already paid the hosting rights for African Nations Championships (CHAN) which will be held in August this year and is also warming up to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, noting that legislators will not allow the chance to host CHAN to slip away from Kenya, which will also attract heavy penalties.
“Kenyans know that sometimes in August and in 2027, Kenya is going to host two serious tournaments in Africa that are CHAN and AFCON and what is critical is that the facilities should be upgraded to international standards,” he noted.
He said the government is committed to ensuring all the stadiums that are under construction are completed and meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards so that there will be no need for future upgrades.
He was speaking when he led the committee on an inspection tour of 24,000-seating-capacity Bukhungu Stadium and Malinya Stadium in Ikolomani Constituency on Friday.
The MP expressed confidence that with the progress made on the scope of works, the contractor must complete construction of Bukhungu Stadium by June 30th next year.
“We want to encourage the county government who are the project managers to make sure that there is value for money and also the contractor has assured us that he will be able to do it according to the CAF standards and even beyond,” he said.
Kakamega County Women Representative Elsie Muhanda urged the county government to clear pending bills owed to the contractor amounting to Sh600 million.
She expressed confidence that the stadium will be completed and help in nurturing talent among the western region residents.
By Moses Wekesa
