Sports Committee Questions Delays in Ruringu Stadium Project During Oversight Visit

National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture has raised concerns over delays and stalled activity at the ongoing construction of Ruringu Stadium following an oversight inspection visit aimed at assessing implementation of the national budget.

The Committee, led by Vice Chairperson James Wamacukuru, toured the stadium project in Nyeri where officials from Sports Kenya assured Members that the facility would be completed by December 2026.

Speaking during the inspection, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo told the Committee that construction works currently stand at 55 percent complete. He explained that delays experienced in the project were linked to contractual and financial challenges that emerged during implementation.

However, Members of Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of construction, noting the absence of workers and minimal visible activity at the site despite significant public investment in the project.

Hon. Wamacukuru questioned why little progress was being witnessed on the ground despite substantial funding allocations already having been made toward the stadium’s construction.

In response, the contractor attributed the delays to financial difficulties, claiming that 80 percent of works undertaken during Phase One remain unpaid.

Committee Member Jackson Kosgei sought clarification on whether the stadium design had adequately incorporated accessibility features for persons living with disabilities, especially in the VIP section.

Mr. Kilimo assured Members that accessibility measures would be fully integrated before completion of the facility. He added that installation of a lift for persons with disabilities had already been factored into the project plans.

At the same time, Charles Nguna questioned why the contractor had failed to complete Phase One despite reportedly receiving 85 percent of the allocated payments. He also raised concerns over value for money, pointing to sections of the running track that had already shown signs of damage.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Kilimo explained that additional works arose after a new contractor took over during Phase Two of the project. According to him, the previous contractor left the site before completing several critical components, leading to financial losses and incomplete works despite significant expenditure.

The Committee demanded greater accountability regarding losses incurred during the first phase of construction, with Members calling for a comprehensive report detailing completed works, expenditure, and responsibility for any irregularities.

Despite the concerns raised, Sports Kenya maintained that the project remains on course for completion by the end of 2026.

“We anticipate the completion of the Ruringu Stadium project by December 2026,” Mr. Kilimo told the Committee.