SENIOR LEADERSHIP IN DEFENCE AND SPORTS MINISTRIES INSPECT ONGOING STADIUM CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and her counterpart in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, led senior officials from both Ministries in an inspection of three stadia to assess their preparedness for hosting the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is overseeing the construction of the new Talanta Stadium and the upgrading of Kasarani, Nyayo, and Kipchoge Keino stadia to international standards as Kenya prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside other East African nations.

The Cabinet Secretaries, accompanied by their Principal Secretaries, Dr. Patrick Mariru (Defence) and Eng. Peter Tum (Sports), visited Moi Sports Centre-Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and Talanta Sports City.
The two CSs expressed satisfaction with the progress and urged the contractors to ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art facilities that meet the international standards set by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

CS Tuya noted that, in addition to defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Ministry of Defence has been steadfast in supporting other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), thereby contributing to the National Development Agenda.

“We are pleased with the ongoing construction works and are confident that we will meet the strict deadlines set to complete these projects,” said Hon. Tuya.

Hon. Murkomen echoed these sentiments, stating that Kenya is on track to establish premier stadiums in the region. He emphasized that the routine monitoring of construction works is aimed at ensuring the country receives high-quality facilities.

“We recognize the great work that is currently underway. Although we have had to outsource sporting facilities in the past, we are confident that, in the near future, we will have our own stadiums.Additionally, we will implement a maintenance policy to ensure these facilities serve the country for many years to come, without compromising on quality,” said the Sports CS.

Kenya is co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the East Africa Pamoja banner.

Also present during the inspection was the Director General of Sports Kenya, Pius Metto, along with other stakeholders in the sports sector.