Sh5.6 billion for CHAN to be recalled

• Sh5.6 billion for CHAN to be recalled and be relocated to other urgent government programmes
• Kenya had been earlier on stripped of the rights to host the CHAN 2018 tournament

A parliamentary committee considering the supplementary estimates has raided the Sports Ministry to deny it part of Sh5.6 billion allocated for the aborted hosting of CHAN, saying the money must be re-directed to more urgent government programmes.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

This comes even as Football Kenya Federation’s president Nick Mwendwa has revealed Kenya would host the regional football tournament, the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup next month.

Speaking in Kakamega on Wednesday, Mwendwa said Kisumu (Moi Stadium) Nakuru (Afraha Stadium), and Kakamega (Bhukungu Stadium) have been earmarked to host the tournament.

But Thursday, a parliamentary ad-hoc committee met Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and other ministry officials, where they were convinced to surrender allocations that had been set aside for refurbishment of CHAN stadia.

Despite Wario’s argument that the bulk of the Sh4.2 billion that was factored under the current supplementary estimates, had been committed through contractual agreement that were refurbishing the facilities for the continental tournament, legislators asked him and the team to retreat and see the money that must not be of urgent requirement.

The MPs, specifically noted Sh873 million that was to be channelled to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, saying that funds should be re-allocated since the contract on the stadium had already been put on hold.

“These facilities were being upgraded mainly because of CHAN, but since we are no longer hosting it, then their budgetary allocation should not be a priority now.

Wario agreed to have his team look at the allocations and consider the priority cases, especially those that have contractual obligations, saying he would surrender other allocations as the stadia were no longer a priority.

“I will ask my team to be as lean as possible, because I understand that huge urgent financial requirements that have necessitated the supplementary estimates. But, yes we can start first with the Sh873 million that was meant for Machakos,” said the CS.

While touring Bhukungu stadium in Kakagemga, that is undergoing renovation, Mwendwa who led the team that consisted of Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye said that the three counties will host the tourney since Kasarani, Moi Stadium Kisumu, and Machakos are being renovated for CHAN.

Photo of Bukhungu stadium which is being upgraded to international standards. BY BENJAMIN SAKWA

“We are here to follow up on the progress of Bukhungu Stadium. So far they have done a good job at the VIP section. We’ve given details on what else needs to be done before final inspection on November 7,” said Mwendwa.