Coast

Mombasa Municipal Stadium renovations resume after 11-year hiatus

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba during a tour of the stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium on March 16, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, March 18, 2024

The national government plans to build an international FIFA standard stadium in Mombasa.

Renovations on the stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium are set to finally resume after 11 years.

The national government plans to build an international FIFA standard stadium in Mombasa, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

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Namwamba emphasised the region's rich football talent and the need for a world-class stadium in Mombasa and the surrounding coastal area.

The stadium has been inactive and was undergoing renovations that have since stalled for 11 years.

The renovations aim at bringing the stadium up to FIFA standards, with an estimated cost of Sh1.2 billion.

The CS at the same time announced the government's intention to construct stadiums in each of the six coastal counties.

"We aim to enhance sports and fields nationwide in Kenya. Through the Talanta Hela project, our goal is to ensure athletes receive financial support and that the resulting benefits reach every county," Namwamba said.

Speaking on behalf of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto, Dr Sudi Mwasinago, the General Manager of Operations at KPA, emphasised the importance of sports organisations in the region uniting to endorse the initiative.

A view of the stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium on March 16, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He highlighted that their collective effort could forge a thriving sports environment, fostering talent, encouraging healthy competition, and fostering national pride.

"The renovation of KPA Mbaraki Stadium exemplifies our shared commitment to excellence. I firmly believe in the unifying power of sports to inspire future generations," Mwasinago said.

He addressed the audience in Mombasa while overseeing the commencement of renovation projects valued at Sh300 million for KPA Mbaraki Stadium.

The stadium serves as the home ground for Bandari Football Club, which competes in the Kenya Premier League (KPL), representing the region with KPA providing sponsorship for the team.

"Mombasa and the coastal area continue to be a hub of talent, with Mohammed Abbas emerging as the top goalkeeper, still holding the 'Kenya 1' title,” he said.

Namwamba acknowledged the region's contribution to sports talent and other fields, with the government allocating Sh250 million for upcoming projects, scheduled to finish within six months.

The stadium is situated on a three-acre plot in Mombasa town, just under a kilometre from the Likoni Ferry channel, which connects to the port of Mombasa.

The project will be done in three phases, with the first phase focusing on constructing a racing track. Subsequent phases will involve improving the pitch, constructing terraces, and establishing a pavilion.

The CS praised KPA for its commendable efforts in promoting sports in the region, citing the significant achievements of its football, basketball, and volleyball teams across various categories and levels, both locally and internationally.

Photos of the stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium and CS Sports at the stadium in Mombasa