The Kenyan Ministry of Sports is currently facing significant scrutiny over the massive expenditures related to consultancy services and feasibility studies connected to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kenya, which is set to co-host the prestigious football tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has come under the spotlight due to revelations of billions of shillings spent on various pre-event preparations, including consultancy, studies, and infrastructure planning. These concerns have been raised amid reports of little physical progress on the ground, raising questions about the proper utilization of these funds.
The crux of the controversy revolves around the expenditure of nearly Ksh3 billion by the Sports Ministry on consultancy services alone. Specifically, Ksh1 billion was allocated to consultancy services for AFCON 2027. While consultancy services are typically necessary for a project of this magnitude, the scale of the funds committed has led to widespread concern, with critics arguing that the spending appears disproportionate to the results achieved so far.
In addition to the Ksh1 billion spent directly on consultancy for AFCON, the ministry further spent Ksh352 million on regional consultancy services. This large outlay was purportedly for assessing and planning how Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can collaborate effectively to host the tournament. However, the exact impact and deliverables from these consultancy services remain unclear, as there is little physical evidence of completed work or infrastructure development so far.
The Ministry of Sports also poured Ksh1.5 billion into design feasibility studies and topographical surveys ahead of the construction of constituency sports academies. These academies, which were to be built across the country, are meant to foster talent at the grassroots level and contribute to the development of sports in Kenya. Yet, despite the considerable investment, there have been few signs of tangible progress in the construction or completion of these academies, further fueling concerns over the effectiveness of the expenditure.
Additionally, the Ministry of Sports spent another Ksh1.3 billion on phase one of the Kenya Academy of Sports complex, which is located at Kasarani, Nairobi. This complex is intended to be a key sports training facility, supporting the development of athletes across multiple disciplines. However, even with this significant investment, there is still work to be done to complete the project. For instance, the ministry allocated a further Ksh424 million for phase 1B of the complex, which includes completing a hostel for the academy.
Despite all these investments, the lack of visible progress has triggered widespread criticism. Stakeholders are questioning why, despite the billions spent, little has been delivered on the ground. This has put the Ministry of Sports in a difficult position, as it struggles to explain the delays and the apparent discrepancy between the funds spent and the progress achieved.
The ministry has taken some steps to address the concerns raised, including terminating the contracts of some consultancy firms. According to Sports Principal Secretary (PS) Peter Tum, the ministry has been reviewing its engagement with some of the consultants involved in the projects. Some of the consultants were drawn from the University of Nairobi, and the ministry has indicated that it is working to improve the situation by revising the terms of its consultancy agreements. However, whether these steps will be sufficient to allay public concerns remains to be seen.
The Ministry of Sports also spent Ksh3.1 billion on the renovation of the Kasarani Stadium, one of the venues earmarked to host matches during AFCON 2027. Kasarani is a key stadium for Kenya’s sporting events and has been at the center of various renovation efforts over the years. However, despite the huge sum allocated for its upgrade, there are concerns that the renovations have been slow, with the completion of the project only expected in November.
With less than three years to go before the tournament, Kenya is under pressure to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place. The construction of new stadia, alongside the renovation of existing ones like Kasarani, is essential if Kenya is to successfully co-host AFCON 2027. One of the new venues under construction is the Talanta City Sports Complex, which is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility and a central venue for the tournament. However, the construction of this stadium has also been marred by delays and questions about the budget and timeline.
The revelations about the consultancy expenses and the state of readiness for AFCON 2027 come at a time when Kenya is facing intense scrutiny over its preparedness to host such a major international sporting event. Concerns about the timelines for the completion of the necessary infrastructure have led to fears that the country may not be ready in time. This has put additional pressure on the Ministry of Sports to demonstrate tangible progress and ensure that the funds being spent are resulting in the necessary infrastructure and organizational milestones being met.
Kenya’s bid to host AFCON 2027 is an ambitious project that requires careful planning, collaboration with regional partners, and significant investments in infrastructure. While the spending on consultancy services and feasibility studies is an important part of the planning process, the lack of visible results has led to increasing frustration among stakeholders. This is particularly concerning given the magnitude of the funds involved, with billions of shillings already committed to the project.
The controversy surrounding the Sports Ministry’s expenditure also highlights broader concerns about the management of public funds in Kenya. The lack of accountability and transparency in the use of government resources has been a long-standing issue in the country, and the revelations about the AFCON 2027 project have only served to reinforce these concerns. The scrutiny of the Ministry of Sports’ spending has reignited calls for more stringent oversight and greater transparency in the management of public funds, particularly when it comes to major national projects like the AFCON.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Sports has been keen to emphasize that it is taking steps to improve the situation. PS Peter Tum, who appeared before the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee to update MPs on the status of various sports projects, assured the committee that the ministry is reviewing its approach to the consultancy services and infrastructure projects. Tum also provided updates on the status of 22 sports-related projects that are currently in various stages of completion, with a significant portion of the funding for these projects coming from the 2023-24 financial year.
However, the assurances from the ministry may not be enough to quell the growing public discontent. With the clock ticking down to AFCON 2027, there is increasing pressure on the government to ensure that Kenya is fully prepared to co-host the tournament. The infrastructure challenges, particularly the construction and renovation of stadia, remain a significant hurdle. Furthermore, the apparent disconnect between the funds spent and the progress made has cast doubt on the efficiency of the current efforts.
In conclusion, the revelations about the billions of shillings spent on consultancy services and feasibility studies for the AFCON 2027 tournament have placed the Ministry of Sports under intense scrutiny. While such expenditures are an essential part of planning for a project of this scale, the lack of tangible results on the ground has raised serious concerns about the effective use of public funds. With the clock ticking down to the tournament, Kenya faces a race against time to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place and that it is fully prepared to co-host the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The pressure is now on the Ministry of Sports to deliver on its promises and demonstrate that the funds being spent are being used effectively to prepare the country for AFCON 2027.
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