Kenyans have been debating the avarice in the Sports ministry in the construction of stadiums where Afcon matches will be played.
Money set aside for building the much-needed facilities was gleefully dished out to shadowy consultants. Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum shocked Parliament with revelations that Sh1.057 billion was allocated to consultants.
Another Sh352 million was spent on regional consultancy services. We gather that this went against a directive from President William Ruto that there should be more spending on actual sports facilities. We have a culture where aspects such as feasibility studies are used to siphon out money intended for projects. Despite huge amounts being allocated to building stadiums, there is nothing to show for it. Kenyans have instead been treated to PR stunts from the ministry aided by corruption.
We demand transparency and accountability around the spending on Afcon stadiums. The PS should come out clearly and explain to Kenyans whether and when the consultancy services were advertised, provide an evaluation report, award letters for successful bidders, contract specifications, the sources of the money, and the identities of the so-called consultants.
Meanwhile, in a country where the Constitution demands diversity in public appointments, Kenyans should also reject the leadership composition of key institutions that manage sports.
Lawyer Kipchumba Murkomen leads the ministry, with Tum as PS. The composition of the Sports Fund is particularly frightening.
The board comprises Tum, Harry Kimtai (Health PS), Belio Kipsang (Education), Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), and Jack Tuwei (Sports Fund chairman), while Sports Kenya is led by Pius Metto. It is notable that the Sports Fund is the custodian of billions of shillings in the form of taxes from the betting industry. To say that its composition is shameful is an understatement.
This sort of composition cannot, in any way, be said to reflect the face of Kenya, and President Ruto owes the country the duty of care. Kenya is endowed with thousands of young people with sports talent but the leadership of various federations has been a terribly shameful charade.
Sports management has become a gravy train abetted by those in leadership at the expense of talent development. While we ask Ruto to punish officials who aided the misspending of the Afcon billions, he should also reflect on the faces managing our sports. The imbalance at the Sports ministry in favour of one community is insensitive.
