MPs probe Ruto's sports academy projects, plan to set up 30 new units in 12 months

Members of the National Assembly have raised concerns about the slow progress in implementing President William Ruto's sports academy projects.

The project is meant to be a key initiative in nurturing youth talent across the country. 

Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Sports has assured that 30 of the planned academies will be completed within the next 12 months. 

Appearing before lawmakers on Thursday, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum faced tough questions on why the government's ambitious plan to establish sports academies in all 290 sub-counties has lagged. 

Members of the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture warned that the delays are fuelling perceptions that the government is falling short of its promises.

 PS Tum told the committee that the government is committed to delivering 30 Academies within the next year. 

 "We have set aside Sh500 million to kickstart the project, and all necessary preparations, including paperwork and advertisements, are in place," told the Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama-led Committee.

However, MPs remained unconvinced, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress made so far. 

Teso South MP Mary Emase accused the ministry of making the president appear as though he had failed to deliver on his promises.

"It's like you're managing us. You've made the president look like he lied. Where is the problem?" Emase posed.

Yatta MP Robert Ngui echoed similar sentiments, warning that without additional funds, the multi-billion-shilling project could end up as one of many stalled government initiatives.

He noted that with Sh500 million allocated so far, each academy would receive only Sh16 million, far below the required Sh50 million and leaving a budget shortfall of Sh34 million per unit.

Members of Parliament during a past session. (Photo: National Assembly)

 The lawmaker suggested the government should have concentrated on fully funding a smaller number of constituencies instead of spreading the limited funds too thinly.

"Why didn't you prioritise 20 constituencies with the current allocation to ensure the projects are completed instead of being overambitious?" Ngui questioned.

Matungulu MP Stephen Mule also raised concerns, asking when the ministry would release the remaining Sh1 billion needed to cover the shortfall.

Despite the concerns, PS Tum insisted that the ministry was making headway. He pointed out that feasibility studies had been completed, concept designs finalised, and tenders advertised.

"There is goodwill and a real need for these academies. We prioritised the 30 projects based on the availability of land, and they will all be completed within the next 12 months," he assured.

The first batch of sports academies will be located in: Lunyofu Grounds (Budalangi), Kesengei School (Aldai), Burendwa (Ikolomani), St. Gabriel Asiriam Primary School (Teso South),  Mirira Primary School (Kiaharu), Mwala Sports Ground (Mwala), and Tegat Primary School (Bomet East).

Other sites include  Ukwala Sports Academy (Ugenya), Weru Mixed Secondary School (Ol Joro Orok), St Gabriel Asiriam Primary School (Teso South), Mirira Primary School (Kiaharu), Magunga Primary School (Suba South), Mogotio Sports Ground (Baringo), Paul Boit Boys (Turbo), Kenya Academy of Sports (Kasarani), and several others across the country.

The completion of these academies is expected to provide a major boost to local talent, offering modern training facilities and opportunities for athletes from diverse regions.

The academies, a flagship project under President Ruto's administration, are designed to nurture talent in various sports disciplines.

Each facility is expected to feature a football pitch, running track, courts for volleyball, netball, handball, and tennis, along with essential amenities like an ablution block. 

They will also include terraces, offices, rooms for creative arts, and a perimeter wall, with each unit estimated to cost Sh50 million.