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A parliamentary committee has revealed that Sports Kenya spent KSh 607.2 million on feasibility studies and consultancy for three proposed stadiums that were never built, raising significant questions about accountability and public funds management. This development could impact ongoing public debate on policy execution and infrastructure development in the sports sector.
Sports Kenya is facing intense scrutiny following revelations that KSh 607.2 million was spent on feasibility studies and consultancy services for three national stadiums that ultimately never materialised. The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA) of the National Assembly uncovered this expenditure during a recent session, highlighting a significant lapse in the management of public funds.
The proposed stadiums, intended for Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, were envisioned as flagship projects under Vision 2030, with an estimated combined cost of KSh 42 billion. However, more than a decade after the initial feasibility studies were commissioned, construction has not commenced on any of these sites.
The audit revealed that Sports Kenya disbursed KSh 99.6 million for feasibility studies and an additional KSh 57 million for architectural and project management services. These payments were made despite the parastatal's failure to secure formal land titles for the proposed sites. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who chaired the committee session, questioned the justification for spending millions on consultancy without possessing land ownership documents.
Further complicating matters, an audit of Sports Kenya also indicated that the agency lacks proper land ownership documents for existing national assets, including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Sports Kenya is reportedly pursuing these documents for the over 200-acre Kasarani land through the National Land Commission.
The expenditure on these unbuilt stadiums falls under the purview of the Sports Act 2013 and Vision 2030, which outline the framework for sports development and infrastructure projects in Kenya. The Public Audit Act, 2015, empowers the Auditor-General to conduct forensic audits into the use of funds for such projects, especially when delays and exorbitant funding are observed.
The government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, has consistently emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in sports governance. Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi recently stated that the ministry is working to streamline the operations of sports federations to ensure proper use of funds and to curb misappropriation.
Analysts suggest that these revelations could significantly influence public debate and policy execution regarding sports infrastructure. Stakeholders are calling for greater clarity on project timelines, costs, and safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture has demanded a forensic audit into all stadium projects implemented by Sports Kenya and the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) to identify any instances of fraud, corruption, or financial impropriety.
The Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu, has previously highlighted systemic procurement failures and management lapses in stadium construction projects, including Kericho Green, Bukhungu, and Masinde Muliro-Kanduyi stadiums. These audits have consistently raised concerns about oversight and accountability within Sports Kenya.
In the 2025/2026 financial year, the sports docket received an allocation of KSh 16.69 billion. Sports Kenya, specifically responsible for managing national stadiums and facilities, was allocated KSh 402 million for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
The lack of accountability and transparency in the management of sports projects poses a significant risk to public trust and the effective utilisation of taxpayer money. Such incidents can deter future investments in sports infrastructure and undermine Kenya's aspirations to host major international sporting events, such as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Concerns have already been raised about potential delays in stadium renovations due to budget cuts in the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.
Corruption in the sports sector has been identified as a major issue in Kenya, impacting youth opportunities and hindering socio-economic growth.
The specific individuals or entities responsible for authorising the KSh 607.2 million expenditure without securing land titles remain unclear. The measures, if any, taken to recover the funds or hold those accountable for the stalled projects have not been publicly detailed.
The ongoing forensic audit demanded by lawmakers into all stadium projects under Sports Kenya and SASDF will be crucial in shedding more light on financial improprieties and accountability. The government's commitment to strengthening governance in sports, including transparent elections for sports federations, will also be a key area to monitor.
Previous audits have consistently highlighted issues of procurement failures and management lapses in various stadium projects across the country, including Kericho Green, Bukhungu, and Masinde Muliro-Kanduyi stadiums. The overall budget allocation for sports in Kenya has seen fluctuations, with the 2025/2026 financial year seeing a reduction in the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund allocation despite an increase in the broader Ministry's budget.
