MPs demand answers over delayed sports academies project, summon officials

Construction of sports academies in 37 constituencies across the country has stalled, despite the Ministry of Sports receiving budget allocations for the flagship project meant to nurture young talent and promote youth empowerment.

The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture expressed frustration over the delays, accusing ministry officials of dragging their feet on a project designed to give young people opportunities to explore their sporting potential.

The committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, said it was concerned that none of the selected constituencies had seen tangible progress despite funds being allocated.

“The Committee is deeply concerned that nothing is happening in the constituencies selected for the rollout of these projects,” Wanyama said.

He added that the construction of the academies formed part of President William Ruto’s national plan to nurture talent and provide young people with avenues to develop their skills in sports.

Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo questioned the motives behind the delay, noting that she had already made land available for the project in her constituency, yet no construction has begun.

“I have tried in vain to get an explanation from the ministry on why work has not started. It is frustrating and it raises serious questions,” Waqo said.

Committee Vice Chairperson Githua Wamacukuru proposed that the Sports Ministry Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, be summoned to explain the reasons behind the stalled project.

“The PS must appear before this Committee to clarify why the project has stalled. We cannot allow officials to take this matter lightly,” he said, warning that delays could derail efforts to identify and develop young sporting talent.

Other legislators, including Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, Turbo MP Janet Sitienei and Bomet MP Richard Yegon, also expressed concern over the lack of progress.

Yegon revealed that despite hosting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at a fundraising event on the proposed construction site in Bomet, no work has started.

Omanyo added that youth in Busia had been enthusiastic about the project, citing the region’s history of producing top athletes and sports personalities.

“It is disappointing that ministry officials appear to be sabotaging a project that could transform lives and give our youth new hope,” she said.

The Committee resolved to summon both the Principal Secretary for Sports and the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury next week to account for the delays and clarify the status of project funding.

“We will hear from both PSs before making a final decision,” Wanyama said, warning that any officials found obstructing the implementation of the project would face disciplinary action.

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The concerns came a few days after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intensified investigations into financial irregularities at the State Department of Sports.

Caroline Muthoni Kariuki, senior assistant commissioner of sports, and David Muasya Musau, an accountant at the department, were among five people apprehended following searches of their residences.

Others arrested include Otis Mutwiri Nturibi, deputy accountant general for ASALs and Regional Development; Dickson Kibunyi Mahia, director of Turkenya Tours and Safaris Limited and Afromerch Travel Kenya Limited; and Maureen Wangui Wambugu, director of Smart Flows Travel Limited.

EACC said the operation was carried out under court-issued warrants as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged unlawful acquisition of Sh3.8 billion by senior officials at the department during the 2020/2021 and 2025/2026 financial years.

“The operation, which was pursuant to Court Orders, is part of ongoing investigations at the State Department for Sports in relation to allegations of unlawful acquisition of Sh3,800,563,277 by senior officials, during Financial Years 2020/2021 and 2025/2026,” the commission said.

The Commission added that the suspects are accused of abusing their positions to embezzle public funds through collusion and procurement fraud.