- It’s been ten years since resources and responsibilities were devolved to county levels and Mombasa seems to lag has several counties construct and renovate modern sporting facilities.
The sports departments have been allocated millions of shilling unfortunately, the coastal region lacks facilities that can host national, let alone regional, events. Mombasa Stadium is in disrepair as it marks its 50 years of existence.
The county has established two mini stadiums that came into existence during the regime of Brazil-trained coach Babu Rajab. KPA’s Mbaraki Sports Club, which is privately owned, is the sole facility with the standards and capacity to host Kenyan Premier League matches.
The county’s sports department is said to have been allocated Sh495,595,000 this financial year. Innocent Mugabe, the County CEO in charge of Sports urged residents to be patient as the construction is underway.
“The stadium, which is expected to be completed in 18 months will have four changing rooms, separate changing rooms for men and women referees, a multipurpose arena for basketball, netball, futsal and volleyball,” Mugabe said.
“It will also have a standard 50m swimming pool and a restaurant that will accommodate 790 persons and a conference hall for 3,000 persons.
He added: “The stadium will also have a fully furnished media center that will rival the best in the world.” He added.
Mohammed Hatimy, the County’s Finance Committee chair, highlighted that high construction costs have slowed down works on the stadium. He stated that the department lacks funds to promote sports activities at the county level and expressed his intention to ensure improvement and developing new sports facilities.
“The county is in the process of formulating, mainstreaming, and implementing responsive programmes through coordinated strategies for sustainable and balanced socio-economic development and empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized groups,” said Hatimy.