The Ministry of Sports has faced severe criticism for hiring consultants to carry out numerous projects for the Financial Year 2023-2024 at a cost exceeding one billion shillings.
The Sports and Culture Committee asked Peter Tum, the principal secretary for sports, to explain how the ministry used the budgeted funds on Tuesday.
According to records presented to the committee, the ministry spent over Sh 1 billion on consulting, prompting concerns about the government’s extravagant spending at a time when the public’s economy is suffering.
“Why would the government pay consultants over Sh1 billion for projects like sports academies and Talanta Stadium, among others?
“Why is it not possible for the ministry to employ Public Works Department experts?” Basil Ngui, the Yatta MP, pondered.
PS Tum responded by stating that the University of Nairobi has sent advisors to the ministry. However, he assured the committee that the ministry was reviewing the consultants’ contracts to assess their value.
“The ministry has terminated contracts of some of the consulting firms in the new arrangements,” Tum said.
There are plans to hold part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches at the Talanta stadium.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba stated that a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation would build the stadium for less than Ksh. 36 billion.
PS Tum also brought up reservations at the committee meeting over the National Treasury’s lack of financing for important organisations like the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
“The numbers ADAK and KAS are red.”
He said, “I urge upon this committee to intervene and have the two departments funded appropriately because the services they are providing are essential to the sports industry.”
For months, the public has harshly criticized the government for its extravagant expenditures while simultaneously telling its people to live within their means.
From June to August 2024, Gen-Z demonstrations emerged, necessitating increased transparency and better administration.
