Mombasa: Why Mombasa Stadium remains horrible

The neglected Mombasa stadium by the Mombasa County Government, October 02, 2018. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Tears for worn out Mombasa Stadium

Mombasa stadium, which was built 50 years ago, has been refurbished many times but remains in poor state.

The stadium is in a pathetic condition after it was closed for renovation three years ago but since then, nothing has been done leaving it in bad condition. It does not help Bandari which was its home ground, in the SportPesa Premier League matches as they opted for Mbaraki Sports Club.

A contractor, who was awarded the tender to upgrade the stadium two years ago, abandoned the work half way after several months. Mombasa County Chief Executive Officer of Sports Rajab Babu said the contract was terminated after the contractor did a shoddy job.

In 1996, Kenya was denied the opportunity to host the Africa Cup of Nations due to the poor state of Mombasa Stadium, which was one of the facilities earmarked to host the continental tournament. The event was later moved to South Africa.

In 2013, Mombasa stadium was one of the stadiums that hosted Cecafa but was closed later for major renovations. Since then, work has stagnated.

As a result, Mombasa County advertised afresh and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has confirmed a Turkish firm has been awarded the tender to renovate the stadium. Joho said the processes including evaluation, procurement and awarding have been completed and work is set to start immediately.

Babu says the new contractor must demonstrate experience, technical and financial capability to give Mombasa an international stadium. “We should have a world class stadium that can be expanded with time,” said Babu.

Mombasa stadium is the only facility of its kind in the county as it below sea level and has holding major national and international events in the past.