NO JOY FOR SPORTS IN BUDGET: Building of stadiums put on hold as betting firms hit by Rotich

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

It seems the Jubilee government’s promise to build five world-class stadiums during its first term in office was hot air after all.

The State has now resorted to upgrading six stadiums in different counties in the 2017/2018 financial year.

This was revealed by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich when he presented a Sh2.6 trillion budget to Parliament yesterday.

In its 2013 manifesto, the Jubilee administration had promised Kenyans five brand-new stadiums in Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Garissa and Eldoret.

But in his statement, Rotich said that Chuka, Marsabit, Kamarin, Karatu, Ndarugu and Wote would all receive a facelift.

But Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa expressed confidence that the Government was keen to ensure they host a successful 2018 CHAN tournament.

“I know the Government is committed to ensure we host the tournament successfully," he said.

"The four stadiums that I am working with for the tournament are my priority right now, but for the sake of the growing sporting industry we need at least one stadium in each county,” Mwendwa added.

However, the hardest hit was the betting sector, whose taxes had been raised to a uniform 50 per cent for all categories.

The Government raised taxes on betting, lottery, gaming and competition from 7.5 per cent, 5 per cent, 12 per cent and 15 per cent to a uniform 50 per cent.

All excess proceeds from the taxes will be channelled to the National Sports, Culture and Arts Fund.