Lack of funds delays renovation

By Faith Ronoh

The controversy surrounding the stalled Sh100 million rehabilitation of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret has taken a new twist.

The contractor hired by the Government to give the stadium a facelift yesterday spoke of frustrations arising from the project.

Akiber Jamal said the State had delayed in releasing funds therefore slowing down progress on the stadium that was ordered rehabilitated by President Kibaki in 2008.

He explained funds needed to import the stadium track from Italy had been delayed.

“For instance, Sh52 million meant for the importation of the track was just released late last year and early this year,” Jamal confirmed.

He added the Government had only paid a paltry Sh17 million for local work.

“We have more claims from the project so far and the Government needs to pay us for faster completion of this project,” noted Jamal.

He further said unfavourable climatic conditions, such as persistent heavy rains, had contributed to the slow pace of works.

Jamal, however, said despite the shortcomings, the stadium was 80 per cent complete.

“It goes without saying that we have come a long way and up to now, we have completed 80 per cent of the work required of us,” he said.

He appealed to the Government to hasten release of funds and claims to enable him complete the work.

“If the Government keeps its end of the bargain, we should be able to complete this project maybe by end of this year. We will be through with renovations once we receive the track in November this year,” he said.

The snail pace of the stadium’s rehabilitation has elicited angry reactions from athletes, locals and leaders who expressed fears that funds for the project had been embezzled.

The renovation process kicked off in mid 2011 to change the entire look of the stadium that lies in the hometown of renowned athletes.

Completion of the stadium, that was in a sorry state, will bring forth a great opportunity for athletes.