By Reporter
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has raised concern over a KSh984 million funding shortfall at Nyayo Stadium, with the Committee told that the contractor was currently off-site after works were suspended pending payment.
Similarly, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports is set to appear before the National Assembly to respond to concerns over governance disputes within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
The Nyayo Stadium contract was valued at KSh1.184 billion, of which only KSh200 million has so far been paid.
Nyayo Stadium was expected to serve as a training venue during AFCON 2027.
While drainage works, floodlights and CCTV upgrades have been completed, outstanding works include connecting the floodlights to the national grid, installing LED screens and a scoreboard, completing perimeter works, turnstiles and ticketing systems, and upgrading facilities for persons with disabilities.
Committee Chair Sen. Julius Murgor (West Pokot) also called for closer coordination among Government ministries, departments and agencies involved in the preparations, particularly on accessibility, occupational safety and emergency preparedness.
“If the Ministry of Labour and Nairobi County have not been involved so far, please begin by sending out their invitations today,” he told officials.
The Committee will incorporate the findings from the Nyayo Stadium inspection and its recent Talanta Stadium visit into a comprehensive report to guide engagements with the responsible ministries and the National Treasury on the outstanding funding and other requirements ahead of AFCON 2027.
Separately, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports is set to appear before the National Assembly to respond to concerns over governance disputes within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
The directive followed a request by Kiminini MP, Kakai Bisau, on the ongoing disputes within FKF and outstanding payments owed to the national football team, Harambee Stars.
Hon. Bisau said the reported disputes over leadership, budgets, governance and league regulations had disrupted the operations of FKF and reportedly delayed the commencement of the 2026/2027 Premier League season.
He further raised concerns over the impact of the disputes on the federation’s ability to prepare Harambee Stars for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“Further concerns have arisen regarding outstanding payments to Harambee Stars players and allegations that the work permits for the team head coach, Mr Benni McCarthy, and his technical staff are yet to be approved,” said Bisau.
Sigowet-Soin MP, Hon. Justus Kemei, supported the request, citing concerns over the team’s recent performance against Eritrea.
“I watched the recent AFCON qualifiers game between Harambee Stars and the Eritrean national team and what I saw was quite concerning. The coach could not leave the technical area to engage and advise players during the match, which was very unusual,” said Kemei.
National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Moses Wetang’ula, described the matter as important given Kenya’s role as a 2027 AFCON co-host.
“This request by Hon. Bisau is very urgent. We are hosting AFCON next year, and the drums and trumpets coming from the football sector are not sounding,” said the Speaker.
The Speaker said he had also watched the Harambee Stars match against Eritrea and expressed concern over the team’s performance compared to its showing during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
He directed the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, to ensure that the Cabinet Secretary appears before the House to address the country’s preparedness to host and competitively participate in the tournament.
“I direct you to get the Minister to come to this House and be interrogated on the level of preparedness of Kenya not only to host AFCON, but to competitively participate in that tournament and win it for us,” directed the Speaker.
Hon. Ichung’wah, on his part, acknowledged the concerns raised, noting that the Government was aware of tensions between the FKF President and his deputy.
“When there is infighting within the football federation, it affects even the morale of the players,” said Hon. Ichung’wah.
He noted that the Government had made significant investments in sports infrastructure and stressed the need to complement the infrastructure development with investment in talent development and the performance of Harambee Stars.
“With the Talanta Stadium coming to completion, we must do better in talent development and make sure that our nation and Harambee Stars shine in the tournament,” he said.
