Abandoned dreams: Kwale’s Kichukwa locals demand justice over Sh38 million ghost stadium
The community is now calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the use of Sh38 million allocated to the project in 2019.
Frustration is growing in Kichukwa village, Lunga Lunga in Kwale County, as residents demand answers over a stalled sports field project that has lain abandoned for years despite receiving millions in public funding.
The community is now urging the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch investigations into the handling of Sh38 million allocated for the project in 2019.
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Residents claim the contractor deserted the site in 2020 after installing two goalposts, laying a toilet block, and leaving a changing room at the foundation stage.
Situated close to the Kenya-Tanzania border, the intended sports ground is now overrun by weeds and wild shrubs, with unlevelled terrain and scattered construction debris posing dangers to would-be users.
The toilet block has collapsed following heavy rains, and the foundation of the changing room is hidden beneath overgrown vegetation.
Total neglect
“We gave out nine acres of land in good faith. What we see today is total neglect. They told us the project was funded to the tune of Sh38 million, and now they claim what we see is just phase one. What phase one is this after six years?” wondered Athman Ruwa, a village elder.
Athman accused county officials of misusing public funds and called on President William Ruto to intervene and ensure the project is completed.
“Our youths are idle. If the field was completed, they’d have something productive to focus on and possibly earn a living from sports,” he added.
Youth leader Rashid Mwajereko voiced similar concerns, questioning the project’s abandonment.
“Are we part of Kenya or not? Why are Lunga Lunga residents being sidelined? This project was meant to help our youth stay away from drugs and crime,” he said.
He said the region has already produced talent such as Beja Nyamawi of Bandari FC, recently called up to the national team.
Broken promises
Other residents expressed disappointment with what they termed as broken promises by political leaders.
Juma Zigambwe urged elected officials to ensure Kichukwa is not left behind in development.
“During campaigns, they come with sweet words, but when it’s time for action, we are forgotten,” he said.
Abdalla Mwambega echoed the calls for transparency, alleging that Sh32 million was earmarked for the sports field and Sh6 million for the toilet block, which has since been destroyed by rain.
“We were told the project was complete, but the reality is plain to see. Nothing has been done,” he said.
Residents are now looking to the Ministry of Sports and the County Government to act swiftly and bring the long-forgotten project back to life, warning that continued neglect will only worsen youth unemployment and social issues in the area.
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