Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have encountered a hurdle following concerns raised in a recent Auditor General report regarding financial irregularities in the construction of Talanta Stadium.
The 60,000-seater facility, whose construction began on March 1, 2023, is expected to be completed by December 2025. However, the audit findings have raised questions about the project’s transparency and financial management.
According to the report, Ksh1.2 billion was spent on the development of Talanta Stadium, but Ksh300 million remains unaccounted for.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu questioned the expenditure, stating, “In circumstances, the value of money realized from the expenditure of Ksh1.22 billion could not be confirmed.”
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba had previously assured that existing structures at Jamhuri Posta Grounds, where the stadium is being built, would not be affected. However, the audit findings reveal inconsistencies in project execution.
The report further highlights that Ksh11.5 billion out of the Ksh14.2 billion disbursed from the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund was allocated to various sports federations. Additionally, the fund received Ksh14.6 billion instead of the allocated Ksh16.2 billion, leaving a Ksh1.4 billion shortfall.
An additional Ksh260 million was left unspent, raising concerns over the underfunding and underperformance of key projects.
“The underfunding and underperformance affected the planned activities and may have impacted service delivery to the public,” the report stated.
Moreover, the audit noted that the project lacks an audit committee, further raising concerns about transparency and accountability in fund management.
With neighboring Tanzania and Uganda making steady progress in their AFCON preparations, Kenya faces mounting pressure to resolve these issues and stay on track as a co-host.
