The Ministry of Sports has taken a decisive step in addressing stalled infrastructure projects by launching an audit into the long-delayed construction of Wote Stadium in Makueni County. The move underscores the government’s growing concern over incomplete sports facilities across the country and its commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.
During a recent working tour in Makueni County, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Creative Economy and Sports, accompanied by senior officials from the State Departments of Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports, visited the site of the stalled stadium. The tour aimed to evaluate the progress or lack thereof on the project, which has remained incomplete for an extended period.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the Wote Stadium, noting that the delay has deprived the local community of a much-needed sporting facility. He emphasized that such stalling of critical infrastructure was unacceptable, especially given the government’s emphasis on promoting youth and sports development across the country.
In response, the Ministry directed the State Department of Sports to convene all stakeholders involved in the project for a comprehensive audit. The audit will include a reconciliation of critical project documentation such as Bills of Quantities (BQs), work plans, certificates of completion, budget lines, and structural designs. The objective is to uncover the root causes of the delays and determine whether any financial or contractual malpractice has contributed to the stagnation.
Depending on the outcome of the audit, the government could take stringent measures, including terminating the contract with the existing contractor if any wrongdoing is discovered. The Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on shoddy construction work, unjustified delays, and any form of malpractice in the implementation of sports projects.
The Ministry also affirmed its broader commitment to delivering world-class sports infrastructure within reasonable timelines. Such developments, it stated, are critical to supporting Kenya’s national sporting ambitions and providing youth with avenues for talent development and economic empowerment.
In addition to the stadium inspection, the Cabinet Secretary presided over the second edition of the Wazo Youth Engagement Forum held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Wote. The forum served as a platform for open dialogue between government leaders and young people, focusing on issues affecting youth and the various empowerment opportunities available to them.
The Cabinet Secretary encouraged youth to utilize digital platforms, especially social media, in a responsible and constructive manner. He cautioned against spreading misinformation and urged them to engage meaningfully with government initiatives, stressing that their involvement is vital to national development.
The engagement was attended by a host of senior government officials, including representatives from the Sports Fund, Youth Fund, the Youth Advisory Board, and the National Youth Council. Makueni County leadership, including the Deputy Governor and the County Woman Representative, also took part in the event.
The developments in Makueni serve as a strong signal from the Sports Ministry that stalled projects will no longer be tolerated. The government’s insistence on accountability and transparency in public projects is expected to set the tone for future infrastructure delivery, particularly in the sports sector.
