Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario has canceled the Sh873 Million refurbishment of Machakos Stadium due to a contractual dispute between the Ministry and County Government of Machakos.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee scrutinizing the Supplementary Estimates, Wario revealed that Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua wanted the funds channeled to a different venue thus leading to a dispute with contractors.
The Ministry of Sports is set to lose close to Sh3 Billion of the Sh4.2 Billion set aside in the Supplementary Budget following the failed bid to host next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).
[caption caption="Sports CS Hassan Wario"]
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“The contract for Machakos is on hold, because when we advertised for the main Machakos Stadium there was a contractor who was engaged to undertake the work there but later the Governor of Machakos changed the venue so we said the contract was signed for a certain venue once you change it the contract changes,” Wario told the Parliamentary Committee.
MPs, led by Chairman Joseph Limo (Kipkelion East) and Kimani Ichungwah (Kikuyu) indicated that they will also recommend for the reallocation of Sh603 Million meant for soft grass services as well as Sh1.6 Billion for access control and lighting.
The Moi International Sports Complex (Sh300 Million), Nyayo National Stadium (Sh703 Million), Eldoret Kipchoge Kieno Stadium (Sh630 Million) and Meru Kinoru Stadium (Sh869 Million) will, however, retain their respective allocations because of ongoing works which are nearing completion.
Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich had earlier this week raised concern over the plot to reallocate funds citing contracts for the construction of the stadia had been signed.
MPs led by Qalicha Wario (Moyale) wanted the money channeled to other departments as Treasury struggles to raise cash following a slowdown in the economy, prompting budget cuts including Sh30 Billion of development spending.
[caption caption="Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua"]
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on September 23 stripped Kenya of the right to host the 2018 CHAN because of delays in preparations, but the Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Nick Mwendwa blamed the political events for failure to host the event.
The tourney which is open for players who play in their respective local leagues is ranked second in the continent for national teams in Africa behind the African Cup of Nations.
