Mombasa Football Stakeholders Applaud Government's Ksh 1 Billion Move to Revive Stalled Stadium

Football stakeholders in Mombasa County have expressed optimism following the national government's intervention to restart the long-delayed reconstruction of the Mombasa Municipal Stadium.

The project, which has been dormant for over 15 years, is seen as a critical step toward revitalising football in the region.

Last week, the government announced through the Ministry of Defence that Sh1 billion has been allocated for the stadium's reconstruction.

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The project is scheduled for completion by December of this year and will feature a 15,000-seat facility built to FIFA standards.

Alamin Ahmed Abdalla, the FKF Mombasa County chairman, spoke on behalf of the local football community, highlighting the negative impact the stadium's closure has had on the youth and its connection to rising insecurity.

"When this stadium was operational, we didn't have these security issues because young people had a dream of playing here," Abdalla stated as quoted by Citizen Digital. "Since its closure, we've seen an increase in insecurity among the youth due to the lack of proper infrastructure."

He also extended his gratitude to the President for reviving the historic venue. "We want to salute the President for bringing back this iconic stadium, which was the first of its kind in Kenya," he added.

These views were shared by veteran referee Barasa Awadh and youth leader Ali Kubo. Both believe the stadium's completion will create opportunities for young talent and boost Mombasa's representation in the national football team.

Kubo pointed out that the region has been grappling with substance abuse, but sees the project as a chance for a fresh start.

"We have been affected by drug and substance abuse, but now we have a new beginning," Kubo said. "I am confident that through this stadium, our youth will focus on nurturing their talents and help reduce insecurity."

Former referee Barasa Awadh expressed hope that the Coast region would soon reclaim its past football prominence.

Currently, Bandari FC's home ground, Mbaraki Sports Ground, is the only facility in Mombasa County capable of hosting Kenya Premier League (KPL) matches.

Stakeholders anticipate that the renovated Municipal Stadium will not only expand football activities but also enable the national team to play matches in the coastal city once again.

Another stakeholder, Abdalla Ibrahim Amir, lamented the lack of players from the region in the national squad but expressed hope that the new facility would change this trend.

The Ministry of Defence will oversee the construction, with the community confident that the stadium's completion will usher in a new era for football development, youth empowerment, and sports tourism in the Coast region.