The Sports Ministry is under fire following reports that it has spent nearly Ksh3 billion on consultancy services and feasibility studies for various sports facilities. Documents presented to Parliament by Sports Permanent Secretary Peter Tum reveal that Ksh1 billion was allocated for consultancy related to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
In addition to this, Ksh352 million was spent on regional consultancy services, while Ksh1.5 billion went toward design feasibility studies and topographical surveys for the construction of constituency sports academies. The ministry also allocated Ksh1.3 billion for phase one of the Kenya Academy of Sports complex in Kasarani, with an additional Ksh424 million earmarked for completing a hostel for the academy.
Despite this significant financial outlay, there has been little visible progress on the ground, raising concerns about the management and effectiveness of the expenditures. Tum noted that the ministry has terminated contracts with some consultancy firms as part of a new strategy and mentioned that consultants from the University of Nairobi have been engaged in this process. He also stated that the ministry is reviewing its relationships with some of the consulting firms involved.
The documents disclosed that Ksh3.1 billion was spent on renovating Kasarani Stadium, one of the venues selected for the upcoming AFCON tournament, which is expected to be completed by November. Tum appeared before the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee to provide an update on the status of 22 projects currently underway for the 2023-24 financial year.
As Kenya prepares for AFCON 2027, the country is racing against time to ensure its stadiums are ready. Alongside renovations at Kasarani, construction is underway for the new Talanta City Sports Complex, which will also serve as a venue for the tournament.