The Kenya Defence Forces have been deployed to salvage the Mombasa Stadium construction, ending years of bureaucratic paralysis and broken promises that have left the coastal city without a world-class sports venue.

In a decisive move to beat the deadline for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the National Government has handed the project over to the military. Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, standing on the dusty, stalled site, declared that the era of delays is over. The KDF’s engineering corps, famed for their speed and discipline, have been tasked with delivering a FIFA-standard facility within strictly 12 months.

A Strategic Partnership

The deal was sealed during a high-stakes meeting between the Defence Ministry, the Sports Ministry, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. The collaboration marks a significant shift in how Kenya handles critical infrastructure projects.

• The Specs: The new stadium will be a 15,000-seater fortress, designed to host international matches and revitalize sports tourism in the region.
• The Timeline: "We are not starting from zero," Mariru assured, noting that about 45% of the work is already done. The military’s mandate is to execute the remaining 55% with zero tolerance for wastage or delay.

The AFCON Dream

For Mombasa, this is more than just concrete and steel. It is a chance to be part of continental history. With Kenya co-hosting AFCON 2027, a completed Mombasa Stadium ensures the coastal region gets a slice of the economic and social action.

Governor Nassir’s relief was palpable. After years of stalling under civilian contractors, the "military solution" offers the only credible path to the finish line. As the KDF trucks roll in, the message is clear: the government is no longer playing games with the people's game.