The members of the Parliamentary, (MPs) in the Sports Committee have raised serious concerns over delays in the construction of sports academies in 37 constituencies, accusing Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi of slowing down the flagship project.
The National Assembly lawmakers, led by Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama, met at Bunge Tower to question the Ministry of Sports on persistent non-payment of contractors.
They warned that the delays could turn the academies into “white elephants” and have political repercussions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Delay in actualising construction of the academies might cost many of us our seats in 2027,” said Wanyama, the Webuye West MP.
He added:“We gave our young people hope when we launched these projects. Before we leave, any officer found sabotaging them will be held accountable.”
Wanyama expressed frustration that the sports academy in his constituency had only reached five percent completion, despite Parliament appropriating the funds.
He warned that non-performance would no longer be tolerated.
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In his defence, PS Mwangi rejected accusations of sabotage, saying that payments could only be processed after verifying contractors’ certificates in line with public finance regulations.
He noted that six certificates had so far been received and were under review.
He also cited the government’s new payment framework and compliance procedures as contributing to delays.
The committee, however, dismissed the explanation, arguing that contractors had already complied with due process and should be paid without further delays.
Mwangi disclosed that construction was active in only 15 academies, with the rest affected by funding shortages, land disputes, and limited contractor capacity.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo criticised the Ministry for awarding tenders to contractors unknown to local communities, sidelining MPs.
Yatta MP Basil Ngui noted growing tensions between contractors and unpaid labourers, while Matungulu MP Stephen Mule warned that continued delays could result in abandoned academies and escalating pending bills.
After extensive deliberations, the committee directed the Ministry to clear all verified payment certificates within two weeks.
Lawmakers pledged to monitor the projects closely, stressing that the sports academies are a critical pillar for nurturing grassroots talent and empowering Kenya’s youth.
By Philip Koech
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