Ruto defends new approach to govt funds, cites Talanta Stadium, Bomas of Kenya
By Kiprono Keileb, March 10, 2026President William Ruto has highlighted the challenges of managing long-standing government funds that have historically failed to deliver tangible results during the joint broadband Parliament group meeting. He explained how consolidating these funds has enabled the construction of major projects that will serve Kenyans for years.
Speaking during the Joint Broad-Based Parliamentary Group meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the President reflected on the Sports Fund, which he said had existed for decades without accountability, producing little impact for the country.
“The sports fund has been a find that has been there forever, but the fund has not achieved much because of many projects going on and losing money without accountability. We consolidated all the money and built Talanta Stadium instead of spending money with no accountability. We have pledged money for 15 years from sports funds. At least we have Talanta Stadium, the sports fund has been there for 20 years, and it has done nothing; at least we have done something for Talanta Stadium. At least we have what it is going to do for 15 years,” he stated.
He further explained that this approach ensures resources are used effectively, leaving a visible legacy rather than spreading funds across multiple small, ineffective projects.
Bomas of Kenya using Tourism Levy
The President also discussed the use of the Tourism Levy, which he said had been underutilised for decades. According to him, channeling these funds into the Bomas of Kenya project demonstrates a new approach to financing national development projects.
“We are also building Bomas of Kenya using Tourism Levy, that fund has never done anything for this country for the last 30 years, that money is building Bomas, that is how we are becoming innovative,” the statement reads.
Ruto emphasised that these projects mark a shift in how government funds are deployed, ensuring accountability and tangible outcomes for Kenyan citizens. He stressed that consolidating resources for priority infrastructure, such as stadiums and cultural centres, allows the country to demonstrate the long-term impact of public funds while fostering innovation in development financing.