Sports Kenya is facing scrutiny after the Auditor-General questioned the award of four stadium contracts worth approximately Sh2.2 billion to a single construction company.
The audit of Sports Kenya's 2024/25 accounts says procurement requirements were bypassed in awarding the contracts to Modern Precast, according to reporting by the Nation.
The four projects include work on Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kinarani Stadium in Kwale.
The audit records show contracts worth Sh502.4 million and Sh226.7 million relating to Raila Odinga Stadium, Sh865.2 million for Kamariny Stadium and Sh568.8 million for Kinarani Stadium.
About Sh839.4 million had already been paid to the contractor, according to the audit findings reported by Nation.
The findings do not by themselves establish criminal wrongdoing by the contractor or Sports Kenya officials. Audit queries identify expenditure and procurement issues requiring explanation, and affected parties should be given an opportunity to respond.
But the amounts involved make the matter a significant public-interest issue.
Kenya is undertaking extensive sports-infrastructure investment as it prepares for major international competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
That means procurement failures could have consequences beyond financial accountability.
Delayed or poorly executed projects could affect Kenya's readiness to host international events and undermine confidence in the country's infrastructure programme.
Kamariny Stadium is particularly significant because the facility has experienced a troubled construction history despite its location in a region internationally associated with elite athletics.
The latest audit findings therefore revive questions about how sports projects are awarded, monitored and completed.
A central issue will be the procurement method Sports Kenya used.
Public procurement rules exist partly to ensure competition, obtain value for taxpayers and prevent public agencies from favouring individual suppliers without adequate justification.
Where alternative procurement methods are used, agencies generally need clear legal grounds and proper documentation.
The Auditor-General's findings should now trigger detailed explanations from Sports Kenya about why one firm received the four contracts, how the contractor was selected and whether competitive procurement was conducted where required.
The contractor should similarly have an opportunity to explain its role and the status of the projects.
The issue comes at a sensitive time.
Kenya's ambitions to become a major African sporting destination require not only new stadiums but public confidence that billions spent on them are producing functioning facilities.
The most important question is therefore not simply whether procurement procedures were breached.
It is whether taxpayers received value for money — and whether the stadiums will actually be completed to the standards and timelines promised.
Category: Business
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