Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has voiced his support for the ongoing renovation works at the main stadiums in the country, including the Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium. Despite the closure of these facilities for renovation, especially at a time when national teams have international duties lined up, Namwamba defends the renovations, stating that these facilities have been neglected for far too long.
He sees the renovations as a necessary step towards revitalizing the sporting infrastructure in the country, which will ultimately benefit athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
“It is common knowledge that we have closed Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino Eldoret for major upgrading, while we are heavily investing in the new Talanta Sports City alongside other regional facilities countrywide.
“There is nothing unfortunate about sports events being hosted at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The high stakes U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier return match against Ethiopia will be hosted at the same venue,” Namwamba said in a social media post.
The CS said it is good for the country to learn from Rwanda and Uganda, which closed their main stadiums and renovated them to international standards.
“We are correcting a mess accumulated over many years. For long, Kenya’s sports facilities have been neglected and handled way too casually. Not any more.”
“Uganda started renovating Nelson Mandela Namboole Stadium in 2020. They have just reopened it this month and are reaping the benefits of a long-term investment of four years. Rwanda started rebuilding Amahoro Stadium in 2019. The results are before our eyes after five years,” the former Budalangi Member of Parliament added.
Although the renovations are going to cause some inconveniences, Namwamba said they are going to give way to a permanent solution.
“We urge all Kenyans to support the full implementation of our revolutionary Sports and Creative Infrastructure Masterplan.
“It is a transformative game-changer. Some temporary inconveniences will give way to a permanent solution. By the time we are done in a couple of years, Kenya will be miles ahead of all of our neighbours,” he concluded.
