Ababu Reveals Ksh 2.9B Initiative Post Critique
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba remains unfazed by allegations of misappropriation of funds, and lavish spending on first-class flights for girlfriends while athletes confronted humiliation and the launch of a seemingly relentless Talanta Hela App.
The Cabinet Secretary, who on Wednesday cleared his name in Parliament and insisted he was not at fault despite legislators’ criticism, began a project that would secure his legacy.
Namwamba met with Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa on August 25 and pledged Ksh2.9 billion towards the conclusion of Bukhungu Stadium, which recently hosted the Kenya Secondary Schools’ Sports Competition.
During the meeting, a comprehensive implementation plan was agreed upon, and the CS assured Fernades, who was elected as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement party, of unwavering support from the National Government to complete the stadium’s construction.
Kakamega County allocated Ksh570 million for Bukhungu Stadium upgrades in the fiscal year 2022/23; therefore, Namwamba’s new Ksh2 billion pledge will ensure the stadium reaches its maximum potential.
“The Bukhungu Stadium recently hosted the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSA) finals, which drew one of the largest crowds for the games, with the Ministry facilitating the live broadcast of the event on KBC TV and other online streaming platforms,” read a portion of a statement by the Ministry.
As one of the inherited challenges on the agenda, the CS has promised to improve the condition of stadiums.
Wednesday, the Cabinet secretary was forced to apologize to Parliament or resign due to concerns raised by the house. However, he defended his position vehemently and asserted complete control over the ministry.
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Ababu emphasized that the Sports docket collaborated with sports federations and was devoid of spectators, as was alleged.
This occurred after Uasin Gishu woman representative and National Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei claimed that athletes were donning counterfeit Adidas uniforms, contradicting Ababu’s statement that Kenya contracted Nike rather than its rival multinational sports giant.
Shollei, therefore, urged the CS to contact both companies to authenticate the kits and the contract signed with Kenya and to convey their responses through the office of Kimani Ichung’wah, the leader of the majority.
The CS complied and emphasized his dedication to enhancing the Sports Ministry and guaranteeing the welfare of athletes.
Regardless of whether or not Kenya wins the proposal to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the CS promised in July 2023 to continue renovating stadiums across the country.
Namwamba emphasized that world-class sporting facilities are essential for a country like Kenya, which has a diverse sporting history.
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“We’re doing this because Kenya requires sporting facilities at the international level. We are a sporting nation, and you cannot be a proud nation with such a high level of athleticism without the necessary infrastructure. “We are committed to our sports infrastructure development program regardless of the Afcon,” the CS stated.
A few months earlier, President William Ruto vowed to improve the condition of the country’s stadiums, after years of empty promises by previous regimes.
Reaffirming Ruto and Ababu’s commitments, the newly renovated Bukhungu Stadium is one of the flagship initiatives. It is the venerated home field of the Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club and also serves as the home of the AFC Leopards Football Club.
Cleophas Malala, a former senator from Kakamega and the secretary general of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), hosts his annual Cleo Malala Cup at the stadium, where football teams compete for over Ksh6 million in financial prizes.
Ababu Reveals Ksh 2.9B Initiative Post Critique