Kericho stampede wake-up call over state of stadia

The stampede during Mashujaa Day in Kericho over the weekend has exposed the harsh reality that Kenya’s stadiums are in dire straits.

The tragic loss of four lives and injuries to dozens should serve as a wake-up call for our nation and leaders at both county and national levels. This incident should never have happened, and it’s time for leaders to set aside the blame game and address the issue head-on, we have joked with these utilities for a long time.

For too long, funds allocated for the construction of such essential facilities been abused with impunity, and the results are out there to see.

The events in Kericho only helped reveal the brutal truth about the inadequacy of our stadiums, because, despite the national government’s efforts to prepare the venue, questions abound about whether the place was prepared for such a crowd.

One can only imagine the dire situation had the Ministry of Sports not intervened. As it stands, the hurried refurbishment is anything but disheartening.

Given the significance of stadiums, and this being more than a decade into devolution, one would expect substantial improvements at stadiums given the amount of money counties set aside for the facilities.

That is why one would be forgiven for saying that the chaos in Kericho was a letdown for taxpayers, especially coming shortly after the country came close to losing the rights to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations—a bid valued at approximately Sh335.7 billion.

This near loss would have been a grave economic setback and a profound disappointment to the nation, underscoring the urgent need for state-of-the-art stadiums that can accommodate large crowds safely.

As we embark on the task of identifying contractors and refurbishing stadiums like Talanta and KipChoge Keino, alongside the renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, it’s imperative for the relevant authorities to take this issue seriously.

This should also serve as a wake-up call to all governors who are either refurbishing or constructing new stadiums. Out of 47 counties, it is only Kakamega and Machakos that have earned accolades for their commendable work, however, the fact that they can not handle certain international events means a lot needs to be done.

It is possible to construct decent and secure stadiums. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba must rise to the challenge and assemble a dedicated team of visionaries who recognise the power of sports, entertainment, and the potential of shared community spaces.

They must understand that this involves more than a mere facelift—it requires a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure, and most importantly, consider a commercial vision to make these stadiums sustainable.

With careful planning, stadiums can become profitable assets rather than perpetual cost burdens. While the initial capital expenditure is a crucial consideration, failing to design the facility properly, without a clear operational concept, can result in even greater long-term burdens.

Without a commercial vision to inform design priorities, the missed income opportunity and higher operational costs over the stadium’s lifespan will surpass the initial development cost.

However, among the non-negotiable calls from all experts and government officials is to ensure security enhancements meet the highest standards and comply with all regulations and safety standards.

This includes the proper execution of access control, surveillance, crowd management, fire safety, and medical facilities. Each aspect must be considered to create a secure and organised environment for spectators, players, and staff.

All stadiums must also have modern fire detection and suppression systems, first-aid stations, and qualified medical personnel.

This should be a responsibility owed to the nation, taxpayers, and legacy of the heroes who perished in Kericho. They deserve nothing less.

—  The writer is the Business Editor, People Daily