Economy

Sh4.2bn set aside for stadia upgrade despite losing Chan rights

stadium

Works at Nyayo National Stadium in September. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenya will continue with Sh4.2 billion construction of four stadia despite the country losing rights to host continental football championship, the Treasury has said.

Treasury secretary Henry Rotich said contracts for the construction of the stadiums have been signed and therefore the Sh4.2 billion set aside in the supplementary budget will not be reallocated.

The Confederation of African Football on September 23 stripped Kenya of the right to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) because of delays in preparations.

“We have set aside Sh4.2 billion to host Chan. Of course, there is the issue of whether we will be hosting the championship or not but there are contracts awarded already for the whole stadiums to be done,” Mr Rotich told a special committee reviewing the supplementary budget.

“There was government commitment to build five stadiums. It will become difficult to remove the firms that have already been engaged to build the stadiums in readiness for Chan,” he added.

It’s the No. 2 tournament for national teams in Africa behind the African Cup of Nations.

The MPs wanted the money reallocated to other items as Treasury struggles to raise cash following a slowdown on the economy, prompting budget cuts including Sh30 billion of development spending.

Sports ministry blamed the political events for Kenya’s failure to host the event.