Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu reveals that millions of shillings allocated for the rehabilitation of several Nairobi sports facilities, including Joe Kadenge Stadium, Dandora Stadium, Woodley Stadium, Jericho Playground, and Desert Playground in California Ward, cannot be fully accounted for, with some projects stalling despite substantial payments.
The Joe Kadenge Stadium rehabilitation contract, valued at Ksh 95.9 million, was expected to be completed within six months from June 29, 2023. Still, the contractor abandoned the site after receiving Ksh 41 million, leaving key components such as the artificial turf, drainage system, and perimeter fence unfinished, with no evidence of contract renewal.
At Dandora Stadium, where Ksh 223 million was spent, the audit found non-functional floodlights, an uneven pitch, substandard roofing that leaked during rain, missing lighting, exposed wiring, and weak perimeter walls made of soft boards that could be easily broken.
The Woodley Stadium project, awarded for Ksh 135 million, saw only 20 percent of the work completed before the contractor abandoned the site after receiving Ksh 29.8 million. Although a new contract was issued in August 2024 for Ksh 123.9 million, it did not include the unfinished work from the previous contract.
At Jericho Playground, where the full contract sum of Ksh 17.5 million was paid, key elements such as internal painting, guardhouse flooring, and glass window installations were incomplete.
At Desert Playground, where Ksh 30 million was allocated for rehabilitation, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has raised concerns over the management of these funds, noting that financial records do not clearly account for how the money was utilized.
While the facility was officially launched today by President William Ruto during his tour of Kamukunji, the audit report questions whether the funds were used effectively or if the project meets the required standards.
During the launch, Ruto reaffirmed the national government’s support for sports development, pledging to assist Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s plans to build ten additional playing grounds and four stadiums across the city.
He also announced that the Sports Fund would be directed to provide equipment for grassroots sports.
Despite the ceremony, questions persist over whether the expenditure on Desert Playground aligns with the actual work done, with the Auditor-General pointing to broader concerns about financial accountability in Nairobi’s stadium projects.
