Senators Give Sports CS Salim Mvurya Strict Deadline Over Sh10.85 Billion Talanta Stadium Cost Overrun

The Senate has summoned Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to explain a staggering Sh10.85 billion cost overrun, direct procurement methods, and the financing model for the Talanta Stadium, a critical venue for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a formal request, senators are demanding a comprehensive report from CS Salim Mvurya regarding significant cost escalations, potential procurement irregularities, and overall financial accountability for the Nairobi-based stadium.

The inquiry was initiated by the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing, through their chair, Eddy Oketch Gicheru, which is seeking clarity on project management and whether legal frameworks were bypassed.

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The committee's action follows an Auditor General's report that flagged gaps in contract management and legal compliance.

The 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium, located at the Jamhuri Sports Complex, is a cornerstone of Kenya's preparations to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Construction, which began in March 2024, is being carried out by China Road and Bridge Corporation under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces.

"The Committee is concerned about the variation of approximately Sh10.85 billion, which has not been supported by adequate documentation," the legislators stated, referencing the Auditor General’s findings for the fiscal year ending June 2025.

The audit revealed that the contract was awarded via direct procurement, avoiding competitive bidding. It also lacked the required clearance from the Attorney General for contracts valued at over Sh5 billion.

Lawmakers are also scrutinising the stadium's financing, which reportedly involves a securitised infrastructure bond backed by the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund and a Build-Operate-Transfer model similar to the Nairobi Expressway.

The committee warned that failures in procurement, contract approvals, and inter-agency coordination could expose the government to financial risks and undermine public trust.

"The emerging issues raise fundamental questions about compliance, fiscal responsibility and institutional oversight in major infrastructure projects," the committee noted.

On Thursday, the Senate committee conducted an inspection tour of the stadium to evaluate construction progress ahead of the AFCON tournament.

While acknowledging the quality of the work so far, Oketch stated that the original May completion date now seems unlikely, with July being a more realistic target.

"We are very keen on the value for money that this stadium may have delivered. We are also keen on ensuring that the procurement process was conducted in the right way," Senator Oketch said during the tour.

"We have inspected the stadium, and we think it is fairly well done so far. However, we need to closely scrutinise the issues of procurement and value for money."

The Sports Ministry has been given two weeks to provide a detailed report addressing the senators' concerns. The timely and compliant completion of Talanta Stadium is crucial for Kenya's ability to successfully host the continental tournament and build a lasting sporting legacy.