MPs protest delays in 37 sports academy projects
PS Elijah Mwangi revealed that only 15 academies were under active construction, while the rest faced funding gaps, land disputes, and limited contractor readiness.
Members of Parliament have raised alarms over delays in the construction of sports academies in 37 constituencies, accusing the Sports Ministry of creating unnecessary hurdles that could derail the projects.
During a heated session at Bunge Tower, Nairobi, on Tuesday, members of the National Assembly Sports Committee criticised the Ministry for slow payments to contractors, warning that prolonged delays could undermine youth sports development.
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The Committee, chaired by Dan Wanyama, said the Ministry’s inaction risked turning these high-profile academies into unused or incomplete facilities, a move that could also have political consequences for legislators.
Wanyama, the Webuye West MP, claimed that officials were engaging in “malice and deliberate sabotage” and cautioned that Parliament would consider removing the Principal Secretary and other senior officials if they continued to block progress.
“Delay in actualising construction of the academies might cost many of us our seats in 2027,” he said. “We gave our young people hope when we launched the groundbreakings. Before we go home, we will ensure that any officer sabotaging these projects is fired,” further emphasised.
The MP also questioned why the academy in his constituency had only reached five per cent completion despite the committee approving funds.
Wanyama reminded the PS that Parliament had previously taken action against underperforming officials and warned.
“It will not be business as usual” if the Ministry fails to meet the grassroots talent development targets.
PS Elijah Mwangi defended the Ministry, saying payments could only proceed once contractors’ certificates were properly verified.
He reported having received six certificates and was reviewing them in line with public finance regulations. The PS added that the government’s new payment system and compliance requirements had contributed to delays.
“As an accounting officer, I cannot approve payments without validating the certificates. I will not flout procurement rules,” Mwangi said.
Wanyama rejected the explanation, insisting contractors had followed the required procedures.
“Stop looking at certificates and simply pay,” he urged the Ministry.
The PS revealed that only 15 academies were under active construction, while the rest faced funding gaps, land disputes, and limited contractor readiness.
Some contractors had requested upfront payments to mobilise on site, which further slowed progress.
Committee members questioned why the Ministry had awarded contracts to firms that appeared ill-equipped to complete the work.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo criticised the Ministry for bypassing local MPs and engaging contractors unknown to communities.
“We only found strangers on the ground. You cannot blame contractors you awarded tenders to without proper vetting,” she said.
Yatta MP Basil Ngui highlighted tensions caused by non-payment, with many local labourers going months without wages.
Matungulu MP Stephen Mule warned that continued delays could create abandoned projects and unpaid bills.
The committee instructed the Ministry to release all verified payments within two weeks and pledged to monitor the projects closely.
MPs stressed that completing these academies is key to nurturing grassroots talent and empowering youth nationwide.
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