By KPC Sports Reporter
The National Government will take over construction of Mombasa Municipal Stadium, with the Ministries of Sports and Defence cleared to assume control of the stalled project.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir held consultations with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and Defence PS Patrick Mariru on the modalities of taking over the 15,000-seater facility, whose construction has stalled since 2015.
Key issues discussed included the technicalities of assuming control of a project with an active contract and an assessment of works already completed, currently estimated at about 40 per cent.
Governor Nassir said the county government would receive the project’s final accounts within a week to establish the total cost incurred so far and the exact scope of work completed, paving the way for the national government to engage a new contractor.
“We are receiving the final accounts within a week, which will allow the national government’s team to come in and take over the construction works,” he said.
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi noted that once completed, the stadium would meet international standards, making it a potential venue for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches in 2027.
He added that while the county government was developing other facilities to serve as training grounds, Mombasa Stadium would be considered as an alternative match venue, subject to approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“This stadium is a perfect low-altitude venue for matches outside Nairobi. With the county developing more facilities, it can effectively host AFCON matches, subject to CAF concurrence,” Mwangi said.
He further stated that the facility would boost Mombasa County’s profile as a sports tourism hub and strengthen talent development initiatives across the Coast region.
Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed within one year. Once finished, it will be the largest and most advanced sports facility in the Coast region.
Mombasa Stadium was last used in 2015, when it hosted a match between Gor Mahia and Bandari, with Gor Mahia winning by a single goal.
The facility has remained under construction since then, with repeated delays.
With the national government now taking over, focus has shifted to fast-tracking the works to ensure completion ahead of AFCON.
PS Mwangi said the stadium was among priority projects under a presidential directive aimed at accelerating sports development.
“This stadium is central to the presidential directive to grow sports in the Coast region. The government is transforming sports through commercialisation, talent development and positioning sports as a key driver of economic transformation,” he said.
The upgraded stadium will feature a presidential pavilion, canopy, standard football pitch, changing rooms, advanced security systems, as well as modern lighting and sound systems.
Defence PS Patrick Mariru assured that the Kenya Defence Forces, which will oversee the works, would deliver the project on time and to the highest standards.
“This is a unique stadium with a unique design. We will build on what is already in place and deliver it within the set timelines,” he said.
