Fresh details have emerged over the controversial Talanta Stadium project, casting doubt on a development President William Ruto has repeatedly showcased as a flagship success.
On February 7, during a tour of the facility, William Ruto defended the project against critics.
“They were casting doubts, but we trusted the process. Now look, see for yourselves. Talanta Stadium is right here. This is huge, you will love it,” he said, projecting confidence in the multi-billion shilling investment.
However, an audit report has raised serious concerns about the financial and legal framework underpinning the project.
Unexplained Price Variation
According to the audit findings, the contract sum for the stadium rose from Sh35 billion to Sh45.8 billion. The Sh10.8 billion increment was reportedly effected without a clear explanation or documented justification, raising questions about cost controls and oversight.
Auditors flagged the absence of supporting documentation to account for the variation, a red flag in public procurement standards where transparency and accountability are legally required.
Illegal Procurement Claims
The report further notes that there was no justification for bypassing the open tendering system. Kenya’s procurement laws require competitive bidding to ensure value for money and fairness. Auditors indicated that this requirement may have been sidestepped without adequate grounds.
Attorney-General Approval Ignored
In addition, the Attorney-General’s approval was allegedly not sought, despite the law mandating such clearance for government contracts exceeding Sh5 billion. The failure to obtain this approval could render aspects of the agreement legally vulnerable.
Cost Overruns and Penalty Risks
The audit also describes the contract as lopsided, warning that it imposes heavy penalties on the government for delayed payments to the contractor. This structure, auditors argue, exposes taxpayers to significant financial risk in the event of budgetary delays.
The findings now intensify scrutiny over the Sh11 billion Talanta Stadium controversy, placing the spotlight on accountability in major public infrastructure projects.