MOMBASA, Kenya — The national government has renewed efforts to complete the long-stalled 15,000-seater Mombasa Stadium following high-level talks between Cabinet officials and the Mombasa County leadership.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru on Wednesday led a delegation that paid a courtesy call on Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir to discuss modalities for unlocking the project and ensuring its completion. He was accompanied by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.
The meeting focused on resolving outstanding bottlenecks that have stalled construction of the stadium for years, with the national and county governments agreeing on the need for a coordinated approach to fast-track the project.
Dr Mariru said the Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), had been directed by President William Ruto to play a central role in the delivery of key national sports infrastructure.
“The Ministry of Defence, working through KDF, is collaborating with State departments and county governments to establish and complete modern stadia across the country,” Mariru said, noting that sports infrastructure remains a strategic investment for the government.
He added that the development of sports facilities is critical for strengthening national identity, empowering young people, nurturing talent and stimulating economic growth.
According to the Defence ministry, once construction resumes, the Mombasa Stadium will be completed within one year. The project is expected to enhance the coastal region’s capacity to host major regional and international sporting events.
Government officials said the stadium will also play a key role in boosting sports tourism, positioning Mombasa as a competitive destination beyond its traditional beach and conference tourism offerings.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the facility aligns with the government’s broader agenda to expand access to quality sports infrastructure and support athlete development at both grassroots and elite levels.
Governor Nassir welcomed the renewed national government commitment, saying the completion of the stadium would be a major boost to youth development and the local economy. He noted that Mombasa County was ready to support the project to ensure it is delivered within the proposed timeline.
Dr Mariru was accompanied by Defence Headquarters Chief of Special Projects Brigadier Titus Sokobe. Also present were Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance Daniel Manyala, CEC Member for Public Service Administration, Youth, Gender and Sports Jonathan Wepukhulu, and County Chief Officer for Transport and Infrastructure Eng. Ali Abdulrahman.
