Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has expressed his disgruntlement over the awful state of Moi Stadium Embu, after visiting the facility Wednesday mid-morning.
According to Ababu, nothing reflects the Sh.180 million spent on the construction of the Stadium by the Embu County Government, describing what he saw as absolute shame.
The stadium’s pitch is dusty, has no grass and lacks an athletics tartan track, with an extremely poor drainage system, exposed by the recent rains resulting to flooding.
Among other pitiable elements, vandalised perimeter fence, poorly done toilets and annoying garbage around the Embu Stadium constitutes an eyesore which has forced CS to order for a special audit by the Auditor General on how the millions purported to have been spent on the same were actually used.
“Saying that Sh. 180 million has been spent where we stand now is criminal. Those who were involved should be in jail, because I don’t see that amount of money here. We have said we must start handling our stadiums in a different way.
“We must start by being accountable, and feel the pain of the citizen. It is not only shameful but annoying, for our youth to play in such a surface. If you are sited somewhere saying you spent Sh.180 million so that our youth play in such conditions, shame on you, actually big shame on you.
“You are supposed to be in jail, and that’s why I have written to the Auditor General asking ordering a special audit on all the funds spent on stadia across the country. Those who will be found to have embezzled the funds must be ready to be held accountable,” said a disappointed Ababu, who wants the audit done within 60 days.
Pending investigations, the CS who was accompanied by Sports Kenya Director Pius Metto wants renovations on the playing surface to start immediately.
“We don’t have to take too long, three months are enough to do the basics like re-plating grass and putting in place an irrigation system to ensure pitch is playable. Things like proper toilets should also be done quickly, before the main face-lifting project kicks off,” noted Ababu, who was also flanked by Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire.
The project to facelift Embu Stadium started during retired Governor Martin Nyaga Wambora’s administration, which is claimed to have spent Sh.180 million on the venture.
At the same time, Embu County is set to benefit from a new sports complex, to be built at the Njukiri ASK Grounds.
Speaking at the Njukuri Grounds, the CS revealed the proposed construction of a new stadium will be fast tracked as it will be the venue for Madaraka Day celebrations this year.
He reiterated the government’s plan to revive sports in the country through the Talanta Hela Programme, saying the plan will not only monetize talent, but will also work towards enhancing the country’s economic development.
“Through the programme, the government will invest in the sports sector by identifying and supporting talented youth. This will boost the economy of the country through sports, in partnership with corporate firms,” he averred.
Meanwhile, the CS also emphasized on the need to "criminalise doping" in athletics, adding the government has set aside Sh. 600 million to fight the vice which threatens Kenya’s legacy as global athletics powerhouse.
