CS Namwamba Reassures Timely Completion of Bukhungu Stadium Amid Financial Restructuring

CS Namwamba Reassures Timely Completion of Bukhungu Stadium Amid Financial Restructuring
Aerial view of Bukhungu International Stadium under construction.

Ababu na Mwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts, has reassured residents of Kakamega and football enthusiasts across the country that Bukhungu Stadium will be completed on schedule.

This assurance comes after the national government, through the Ministry, implemented strategies to expedite the construction process and meet the previously set deadline.

During the launch of the fourth medium-term plan for 2023-2027 in Kakamega County, the CS pledged the commitment of the national government to ensure the timely completion of the project.

"We initially allocated 760 million Kenyan shillings for the completion of the project, based on the original agreement with the county government. However, due to their current financial challenges, the county government has requested the ministry to take over the entire project. As a result, we are reassessing the financial arrangements and targets," he stated.

"Once we have evaluated all the commitments passed on from the county government, we will be able to provide a more accurate estimate of the project's total cost," he added.

Namwamba attributed the previous delays in the construction process to the contract inherited from the county government. However, he claimed that these issues have now been resolved, ensuring the smooth progress of the project towards completion.

"We encountered issues with the contract inherited from the county government, which required our intervention. However, these issues have been resolved, and we are now prepared to complete the project as quickly as possible," he assured.

The CS also defended the decision to choose Lilongwe Stadium in Malawi over Kasarani Stadium to host Harambee Stars' two 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

He acknowledged that Kenyan stadiums have not met the CAF and FIFA requirements, which he attributed to the previous government.

Consequently, his ministry is starting from scratch to bring the stadiums up to standard, and he urged Kenyans to remain patient as they seek a lasting and permanent solution.

"Kenyans are paying for what happened in the previous regime. We have made a decision that might make us temporarily appear inferior, but it will ultimately result in a long-lasting solution," the CS said.

Currently, the 60,000-seater capacity Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi is undergoing renovations for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) games. Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, won the hosting rights for the prestigious African football tournament.

The national government is committed to elevating Bukhungu Stadium, renowned as the home of talent, to international standards. This will attract a wide range of activities, including national and international games.