Sh3.1b for Bukhungu Stadium project released, says parliamentary watchdog

At least Sh3.1 billion has been released to fast-track the construction of Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Parliamentary Committee for Sports and Culture at the National Assembly, which visited the facility, said the Sh6.6 billion project would be complete in June next year.

The Committee Chairperson, Dan Wanyama, said the government has already released the Sh3.1 billion for the completion of the stadium.

“As a committee, we are the ones who allocate money. We gave out enough money for the completion of the stadium, and I can confirm that the government has released the funds, and the contractor will not leave or abandon the site until the work is finished,” said Wanyama, who is also Webuye West MP.

The committee also warned lazy contractors who are delaying the completion of key stadiums ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and AFCON, stating that they will be punished according to the law.

“The government usually loses a lot of money when it fails to meet the international standards after it has been given the rights to host several competitions by FIFA. We have CHAN and AFCON, and we must meet the outlined international standards, and therefore, as a committee, we want to ensure the work is done and completed on time as stipulated in the contract,” said Wanyama.

He added, “We are warning lazy contractors that we will deal with them decisively because our work as a committee is to oversee the work, and we will not allow payment to those who have not finished the work.”

The committee said it was happy with the ongoing work at Bukhungu Stadium, assuring locals and Kenyans that the facility will be completed before June next year.

“We are satisfied with the work the contractor is doing, and the completion is at 50 per cent. We are optimistic that the stadium will be completed on time because we now have a new contractor,” said Wanyama.

Kakamega Women Representative Elsie Muhanda, who is also a member of the committee, was optimistic about the completion of the stadium within the stipulated time, urging the county government to settle Sh600 million as pending bills to the first contractor.

“We will continue having regular visits to ensure this facility is completed for the benefit of our people, and as a committee, we want the county government to settle the pending bills amounting to Sh600 million it owes to the contractor,” said Muhanda.

Bukhungu had been earmarked to host the CHAN this year, alongside Nyayo Stadium, but failed to meet the required standards.

However, a month ago, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, while accompanied by Governor Fernandes Barasa during the inspection of the ongoing phase II construction of the stadium, expressed satisfaction with the progress of completing the facility.

“We are making steady progress, and I am pleased with the quality of work being done. Bukhungu Stadium will soon be a world-class facility capable of hosting major tournaments, including AFCON 2027, and what I want to tell our people is to be patient and see the stadium get completed to host major tournaments and boost the economy of this region,” said Mvurya.

The CS said Bukhungu is one of the major projects the national government is keen on finishing, stating that they are following President William Ruto's directive to have the stadium completed before mid-June to promote talent development and business creation.

Additionally, Mvurya said the Kanduyi Stadium is also on the priority list of the government to ensure it is finished and complements Bukhungu Stadium in major events.

Kanduyi Stadium, which began construction in 2019, is expected to be completed by December 2025, with the installation of canopy shades for spectators and improved security lighting to support night events, lining up for the final touches.

Governor Barasa expressed confidence that the stadium would be completed on time, noting the importance of these infrastructure projects for the region.

“As a county, we are excited about the opportunities this stadium will bring. It is not just about football. It is about the businesses, jobs, and prestige that come with hosting major sporting events,” Barasa added.

The stadium, once completed, will provide a state-of-the-art venue for major sporting events, including national and international football matches.

The ongoing construction work includes significant upgrades to the stadium’s infrastructure, including improved seating arrangements, enhanced facilities for players, and better accessibility for fans.