Pace of renovations criticised

By Faith Ronoh

Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba has raised concern over the slow pace in the rehabilitation of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The minister said the completion of the stadium, funded at Sh100 million, was behind schedule.

“The tender was awarded in March 2011 for 36 weeks, but it is quite unfortunate that up to now what was to be complete by September last year is nowhere close to completion,” said Namwamba.

He instructed the contractor, Akber Jamal, to ensure the facility is completed by December.

“The delays are unnecessary and unacceptable. This stadium should be complete by December when East and Central Africa Global games will be held within the municipality,” the minister stated.

Namwamba asked the contractor to ensure that the shipping of the track is done within the next three weeks to hasten completion of the stadium that is currently 70 per cent complete.

Jamal attributed the delays to failure by the Government to release the remaining Sh30 million and an appraisal that was made during the year raising the contract tender.

Contract changed

“The tender contract changed from Sh109 million to Sh230 million. However, we have sent a technical and commercial appraisal to the sports department to make the adjustments and we are awaiting approval,” he said. 

Namwamba, who was accompanied by his Higher Education counterpart Margaret Kamar and Energy assistant minister Magerer Langat during a tour of the facility, said completion of the stadium would open up economic opportunities by attracting international athletes.

Prof Kamar, who is also Eldoret East MP, called on the Government to release the remaining Sh30 million to ensure the stadium it is completed before Jamhuri Day celebrations in December.

Magerer on his part assured that his ministry would mount floodlights on the stadium once it is completed.