Revealed: Sports Ministry’s shocking over Sh1 Billion expenditure on AFCON consultancy

The Ministry of Sports is facing widespread public criticism after it emerged that it spent  Sh1 billion on consultancy services tied to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, People Daily reports.

Documents tabled in Parliament by Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum reveal that a large portion of the ministry’s budget was channeled towards feasibility studies and consultancy work related to sports infrastructure development. However, despite this significant allocation, there is little visible progress on the ground.

The financial breakdown shows Ksh1 billion was set aside for stadium consultancy related to AFCON, while an additional Sh352 million was spent on regional consultancy services. On top of that, Sh1.5 billion was used for feasibility studies and topographical surveys to support the establishment of sports academies across Kenyan constituencies.

Despite these substantial outlays, tangible results are lacking, especially regarding the promised stadiums and sports facilities. Members of Parliament expressed their concerns over the Sh3.1 billion used for renovating the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi and over Sh1.7 billion spent on the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) project at Kasarani, which included building hostels and an access gate.

In defense of the expenditure, Tum stated that consultants from the University of Nairobi had been engaged for various projects, but admitted that some contracts had already been terminated as part of a new direction for the ministry. "The ministry has terminated contracts with several consultancy firms in our restructuring efforts,” Tum informed the Parliamentary Sports and Culture Committee, which is chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.

The committee, led by Wanyama, questioned the ministry’s justification for such massive spending on consultants when physical progress remains minimal. Yatta MP Basil Ngui raised concerns about the use of expensive external consultants instead of relying on government experts from the Public Works Department. “How does the ministry justify over a billion shillings on consultants for projects such as Talanta Stadium and the sports academies?” Ngui asked.

Wanyama, pressing for quicker action on the delayed projects, highlighted that the youth, particularly from Generation Z, are looking to sports as a means to unlock future opportunities. “The youth are depending on you—make sure these projects are completed to empower them,” Wanyama urged.

Earlier this year, the ministry had indicated that the construction of Talanta Sports City and the renovations at Kasarani Stadium were progressing well, but these claims have now been thrown into doubt. Tum’s presentation also detailed the allocation of Sh115.2 million for automating the sports registrar’s office and Sh20 million for Malinya Stadium in Kakamega County, a venue known for hosting local bullfighting events.