Often in the build-up to grand sporting events significant investments are made to ensure readiness and excellence.
However, recent revelations from Kenya’s Sports Ministry have raised concerns over the allocation of billions of shillings earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Documents tabled in Parliament by Sports and Culture Principal Secretary Peter Tum have sparked questions about the ministry’s expenditure, with Sh1 billion alone reportedly going into consultancy services for AFCON stadia development.
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This revelation, first reported by, prompted heated debate among members of Parliament’s Sports and Culture Committee.
«Why would the ministry spend more than a billion paying hired consultants for projects such as Talanta stadium and sports academies among others?» posed Yatta MP, Basil Ngui, expressing his frustration with the exorbitant costs.
«Why can’t the ministry use the services of experts from the Public Works Department?»
Ngui’s sentiments resonated with many committee members, as they scrutinized the ministry’s decisions in the management of public funds.
In addition to the Sh1 billion on AFCON consultancies, the ministry also allocated Sh352 million for regional consultancy services and another Sh1.5 billion for feasibility studies and topographical surveys for constituency sports academies.
This is how the proposed Talanta Sports City will look like both inside and out (PICTORIAL)
Yet, little has been realized on the ground, leaving many questioning the value of these expenditures.
A significant chunk of money, Sh3.1 billion, was also channeled towards renovations of the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
Despite this massive investment, members of the committee have highlighted that tangible progress is hard to see, leaving observers to wonder whether these resources have been effectively utilized.
further reports that Sh1.3 billion was spent on phase one of the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) complex at Kasarani, with another Sh424 million for phase 1B, which included the completion of a hostel and the construction of an access gate.
These projects, too, have raised eyebrows with some contracts being terminated as the ministry reassesses its consultant engagements.
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In his defense, Principal Secretary Peter Tum explained that some of the consultancies had been handled by experts from the University of Nairobi.
However, Tum acknowledged that the ministry had already terminated the contracts of several consulting firms due to unsatisfactory performance.
«The ministry has terminated the contracts of some of the consultant firms in the new arrangements,» Tum confirmed.
The ballooning costs have led to widespread discontent, particularly given the slow pace of tangible development.
Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, who chairs the committee, urged the PS to take decisive action to ensure projects are completed promptly.
«The Gen Zs are relying on you … make sure you empower them through sports,» Wanyama stated, emphasizing the need for the ministry to deliver on its promises, especially as the AFCON tournament nears.
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In April, the ministry had assured the public that the construction of the Talanta Sports City was progressing well and that upgrades to Kasarani Stadium were on track.
Despite these ambitious figures citizens are left wondering whether the billions spent on consultancies will result in tangible outcomes on the ground.