GOVERNMENT PROMISES ISIOLO STADIUM OVERHAUL AFTER RECENT PROTESTS BY YOUTHS
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya visited Isiolo on Thursday, just two days after youths from various football clubs staged protests in Isiolo town, citing the lack of a stadium and proper playing grounds.
The CS, who was accompanied by PS Elijah Mwangi, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo, and Sports Fund CEO Nuh Mohamed Ibrahi, declared that the Isiolo Town Stadium would undergo a full overhaul.
The stadium, which has stalled for more than four years, has recently drawn attention both locally and nationally. According to the leaders, it will now be rebuilt to accommodate 10,000 spectators.
The CS stated that the Isiolo Stadium will undergo a complete transformation, including the addition of a VIP section, changing rooms for home and away teams, and proper roofing to shield spectators from harsh weather.
He also announced that the government is in the process of constructing a talent academy in Garbatula Ward, Isiolo, at a cost of forty million shillings.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo said she has been engaging the President on the matter, even sharing with him videos of youth protests regarding the stalled stadium.
Senator Dhulo blamed the county government, led by Governor Abdi Guyo, for failing to complete the stadium project despite millions of taxpayer shillings having already been spent.
Fatuma questioned the decision by the governor not to spend any money on the completion of the stadium despite the EACC not barring any development on project despite there being an ongoing investigation on how money was being spent.
The initial budgeted cost for the Isiolo Stadium was KSH. 345 million construction has been delayed, despite millions being spent on the project.
The Auditor General’s report had highlighted significant financial irregularities and delays, including unaccounted-for funds and a lack of accountability.
She praised the youths for standing up and demanding the completion of the project, stating it was their right.
According to Senator Dhulo, county officials have been allocating millions to the sports fund, yet no development projects have been realized for the youth.
PS for Sports Elijah Mwangi warned contractors working on stadiums across the country to observe project deadlines, to avoid scenarios where citizens are forced to protest to get services from the government.