Namwamba orders audit for stadiums in 60 days, warns of arrests

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba yesterday ordered an audit of all stadiums across the country within 60 days to ascertain whether the amount invested in the sporting complexes reflects the reality of what was actually on the ground.

His directive came after it emerged that millions of public funds made for upgrading stadiums may have been misused by either the previous ministry officials or rogue contractors.

Speaking when he toured Embu county to inspect Moi and Njukiri stadiums which is set to be upgraded in readiness to host this year’s Mandaraka day celebrations, Namwamba decried the poor state of Moi Stadium saying there was no value for over Sh 180 million said to have been used to construct the stadium.

“Some people should be in jail, no one can see value for Sh 180 million said to have been used in this stadium,” said Namwamba.

He noted that he has already written to Auditor General directing a forensic audit for all stadia in Kenya.

The former Bundalang’i Member of Parliament said taxpayers’ money should be respected at all times and that value for money should be seen.

On Njukiri stadium the CS said that it will be one of the best in the country as it will have many facilities within it.

“This will be a state-of-the-art stadium and as it was directed by the president that Mandaraka day be celebrated in Embu County, we are up to upgrade this stadium to host the celebrations and it will be of its kind,” said Namwamba.

Embu governor Cecily Mbarire said that Embu county will reap big from the construction of the stadium lauding the government for the move.

“We are happy for this stadium because we know the goodies it will come with,” said Governor Mbarire.

The upgrade of the two stadia is set to commence in early February.