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Principal Secretary (PS) for Sports, Peter Tum (pictured), assured the Parliamentary Committee on Sports yesterday that the construction of Sports Academies across the constituencies in the country is underway and primed for delivery.

According to the Ministry, Sh1.5 billion has been earmarked for the construction of the initial 30 constituency sports academies. Work will commence immediately once the tendering and procurement processes are complete.

Speaking before the committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Tum stated that each academy is estimated to cost Sh50 million, with Sh500 million already set aside for the first quarter of construction.

“I would like to assure this committee that the Sports Department is committed to ensuring that resources are allocated for the construction of the Sports Academies in every constituency to harness talent identification and nurturing from the grassroots level,” Tum conveyed.

Further, the committee was informed that the Kenya Academy of Sports has already conducted a feasibility study for the proposed construction sites and a call for tenders for the 30 premier sports academies has been issued.

Committee chair Wanyama emphasized the importance of these academies in improving Kenya’s performance on the world stage.

“We have seen even at the Olympics that other countries have taken time to do research on races that seemed traditional for Kenyans. They have done well and now they are winning medals. That is why as a committee we think that the Sports Academies will come in handy in helping the country to be better in terms of performance on the international scene, and more so help our people earn a living through sports.” Wanyama stated.

Similary, Teso South MP Mary Emase inquired about the scope of the work covered by the Sh50 million allocated for each constituency academy, as detailed by PS Tum.

In response, Kenya Academy of Sports’ Director of Research, John Okwemba, explained that the academies will include a football pitch, an athletics running track, an administration block and changing rooms.

He also noted that there is potential to add two more sporting facilities, such as basketball, netball, tennis, or volleyball courts, based on local needs.

PS Tum concluded by noting that the Ministry of Sports has also considered incorporating performing arts, which will be addressed as the construction of the academies progresses.