Construction work at Bomet County Stadium has dragged on for five years.
The work is meant to be concluded within the next one year but that appears impossible due to what Bomet County officials have termed ‘underfunding.’
The 37,000-seater sports facility situated a few metres from Bomet County headquarters has gobbled up more than Sh330 million in the last five years.
It stands out as a sports facility whose construction has gone through the hands of three governors in a period of just five years since being inaugurated by Governor Isaac Ruto.
After assessing the work that had been undertaken by former Governor Ruto, his successor, the late Joyce Laboso allocated a further Sh257 million in late 2017 to complete the project, a report from the county says.
The report further indicates that 40 percent of the project had been completed under Governor Ruto's administration, while the remaining 60 percent is expected to be done by the current governor, Hillary Barchok, who took over following Laboso’s death on July 29 last year.
But the single biggest challenge construction work at the stadium faces is the allocation of meagre funds by the county government.
ALLOCATED SH15 MILLION
In the current financial year, the project has been allocated a mere Sh15 million which is a drop in the ocean, considering the amount of money required to finish the project.
After assessing the work that had been done by the National Construction Authority, the tender for completion of the stadium was awarded.
A report by Kisii-based government officials from the Material Testing and Research Division of the State Department of Infrastructure shows that the main pavilion and some of the terraces are structurally weak and should be demolished and be reconstructed.
The structure was subsequently redesigned, factoring in construction of storm water drainage, a VIP holding room, a restaurant and youth empowerment centre. Once complete, the stadium is expected to have a swimming pool and changing rooms for players.
Journalists covering events at the stadium have complained of the elevation of the main dais which makes it impossible for them to take photographs.
Security features in the VIP section also need to be reviewed to allow for evacuation of guests in case of emergency.
"Once complete, the stadium will be used for football, track and field events, and indoor games," said Job Towet, Bomet County’s Chief Officer in charge of Sports and Youths Affairs.
"The timelines for completion of the project as per the tender awarded is June next year. We are optimistic that the contractor will do the work to international standards," Towet said.
He said the construction work had been delayed due to health protocals issued by the Ministry of Health due to Covid-19 outbreak.
"Once the health protocals issued by the government are relaxed, the contractor will resume work at the stadium," Towet said.
Anne Chelangat, the assistant director of sports and youth affairs at the county, said there was room for construction of a court to be used for various games which, however, had not been factored in.
"There is enough space for construction of a basketball court in the parcel of land on which the stadium stands. That will be done once work on the main stadium is complete," she said.
Construction of the stadium involved compacting the playing surface, planting of Kikuyu grass on the pitch and construction of a drainage channel.
Following the elevation of Silibwet Football Club and Bomet Administration Police FC to the National Super League, the county has been forced to upgrade other playing fields.
"Silibwet Stadium in Bomet Central is being levelled at the moment to bring it to the standard set by the Athletics Kenya and Footbal Kenya Federation," Towet said.
An internal perimeter wall and the main dais is also being constructed by the county at Silibwet Stadium. The work is expected to be complete in a month.
A main perimeter wall will also be constructed round the stadium, and a changing room for players and athletes built.
Currently, Silibwet FC and Bomet AP have been forced to train at stadiums in neighbouring counties of Kisii, Narok and Kericho, proving costly to the teams.
The long trips often leave the players physically and psychologically drained.
Apart from spending money on transport, food and general upkeep, the teams also have to pay an average of Sh20,000 to hire the stadiums, and an ambulance at a separate cost of Sh30,000 per day.
Towet said playgrounds in local schools will also be upgraded. In the next financial year, playgrounds in Sotik, Longisa, Siongiroi and Embomos are targeted for levelling.
