National Government assumes control of stalled 15,000-seater Mombasa Stadium project

The National Government has officially taken over the construction and completion of the 15,000-seater Mombasa Stadium. The decision follows a high-level technical assessment and extensive consultations between state officials and the County Government of Mombasa. The move is intended to resolve years of delays that have left the coastal city without a functional international-standard sports arena.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and his Defence counterpart, Dr. Patrick Mariru, met with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir this week to finalize the transition. Under the new arrangement, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will oversee the remaining construction works. This military-led approach mirrors similar infrastructure interventions recently undertaken by the national executive to expedite stalled public projects.

A technical team is currently preparing for a formal handover, which includes a comprehensive audit of the project’s fiscal status. Once the handover is complete, the government will conduct a detailed review of the remaining scope of work. Officials stated that the final construction must adhere to approved national designs and standards to ensure the facility meets FIFA requirements.

President William Ruto directed the intervention as part of a broader strategy to establish a low-altitude sports hub in the Coast region. The administration intends for the facility to serve as a world-class venue for national and international competitions, specifically positioning Mombasa as a destination for sports tourism. While the stadium was previously omitted from the primary list of venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in favor of the new Talanta City Stadium, it remains a strategic alternative for major tournaments.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 40 to 45 percent of the work has been completed since the project began under the county government several years ago. The structural design is notable for its extensive use of heavy steel, a feature that officials believe will make it one of the most distinct stadiums in the country once finished. The project scope includes the installation of a presidential pavilion, modern changing rooms, advanced security systems, and FIFA-standard lighting and sound equipment.

The County Government of Mombasa has agreed to settle existing liabilities with previous contractors for work already performed. This clears the path for the National Government to introduce a new technical team without the burden of outstanding civilian contracts. Governor Nassir expressed confidence that the partnership would finally bring the long-awaited project to a close by the end of the year.

The Ministry of Defence has committed to a 12-month completion timeline once the KDF engineering corps officially breaks ground this month. The urgency is fueled by Kenya’s obligations as a co-host for upcoming continental football matches, where high-capacity training and match venues are a mandatory requirement.