The Senate has intensified scrutiny of the multi-billion-shilling Talanta Sports City Stadium project, raising fresh concerns over procurement procedures, cost escalation, and financial transparency as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing has formally written to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, seeking a detailed explanation on the project’s status and management. The move follows concerns flagged in the latest Auditor-General’s report, which questioned key aspects of the project’s execution.
The 60,000-seater stadium, under construction at the Jamhuri Sports Complex in Nairobi, is one of the flagship projects for AFCON 2027. Construction began in March 2024 and is being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Department.
However, lawmakers have raised alarm over a sharp increase in the project cost from an initial Ksh 35 billion to Ksh 45.85 billion. The Senate Committee noted that the Ksh 10.85 billion variation lacks sufficient supporting documentation, raising questions about accountability and value for money.
Further concerns were raised over the procurement process, with the Auditor-General indicating that the contract was awarded through direct procurement instead of a competitive tendering process as required by law. The audit also flagged the absence of clearance from the Attorney-General for contracts exceeding Ksh 5 billion.
Committee chairperson Senator Eddy Oketch said the Senate is seeking clarity on several issues, including procurement procedures, cost variations, financing structure, and the overall implementation status of the project. The committee has given the Sports Ministry two weeks to submit a comprehensive response.
At the same time, senators are seeking details on the financing model, which is said to involve a securitised infrastructure bond backed by the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, alongside a Build-Operate-Transfer framework similar to that used in the Nairobi Expressway.
Nominated Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who requested the statement, called for greater transparency, insisting the public deserves a clear breakdown of how the funds are being utilised and whether legal requirements were followed.
Despite the concerns, the government has maintained that construction is progressing steadily, with reports indicating the project was about 85 percent complete as of January 2026.
The Senate Committee has warned that gaps in procurement compliance and contract approvals could expose the government to financial risks and erode public confidence. As timelines for AFCON 2027 draw closer, attention is now firmly on whether the project will meet expectations while upholding transparency and accountability.
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