Stadium’s name reverts to Nyayo, orders Government

By Gilbert Wandera

The sale of naming rights for Nyayo National Stadium has taken a new twist after the Office of the President ordered that it be revoked.

A confidential letter from the Head of the Public Service, Francis Muthaura, says the President has ordered the change of name from Nyayo National Stadium to Coca Cola Stadium be reversed.

Muthaura’s letter to Sports Minister Hellen Sambili was written on May 6. It says: "Following public concerns about the renaming of Nyayo Stadium, I have been directed by the President to inform you that you should ensure it reverts to its original name,"

Muthaura asks the minister to renegotiate the agreement with Coca Cola Company to ensure the action does not affect relations between the company and the Government.

Part of Nyayo National Stadium, whose name was changed to Coca Cola Stadium following a deal with the beverage company. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

Following Muthaura’s letter, the Secretary of Sports Wilson Langat wrote to the Sports Stadia Management Board on May 12 to inform the board accordingly.

The board’s new Chief Executive, Benjamin Sogomo, communicated to Coca Cola on Monday pointing out the need to renegotiate the contract.

Sogomo suggests the stadium be renamed Nyayo Coca Cola National Stadium to preserve national heritage.

"SSMB will obtain the relevant permission to be able to change the current name of the stadium," said Sogomo’s letter.

Sogomo tells the beverage company that should this not be acceptable to them, the board is willing to retender for the naming rights again.

He asks the company to bring down the signage on the stadium that identifies it by the name.

"We must comply with the Government directive to reinstate the word "Nyayo" in the naming of the stadium," he said.

In a response to the request, Coca Cola East and Central Africa Limited Public Affairs and Communications Director, Norah Odwesso, termed the proposals by the board as a ‘fundamental amendment’ to the existing contract between the two parties.

"Under the circumstances we are seeking legal advice and kindly request that no action be taken until the matter is resolved," she said in her reply to Sogomo’s letter.

Sports Minister Hellen Sambili yesterday said they are reviewing the contract with Coca-Cola.