Kenyans have raised concerns after Kipchumba Murkomen, who moved from Transport Ministry to Sports Ministry now proposes the privatisation of stadiums across the country.
According to reports, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that stadiums should now be owned by private investors to help the country unlock its potential in the sports sector.
However, kenyans have questioned his motives with the privatisation deals after overseeing during his tenure at the Transport Ministry, the implementation of the controversial Adani Group deal that has caused a stir within the country.
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While appearing before the National Assembly, Murkomen explained that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) will help develop stadiums since there is currently no budgetary allocations for this course.
I think the government should not be owning stadia. All over the world, the government doesn’t own stadiums because it is an unnecessary burden on the taxpayer. With the government struggling with budgetary allocations, the best way to keep stadiums in peak condition will be to surrender them to private investors.
However, Kenyans on social media have criticised the Cabinet Secretary and proposed that instead of privatising the stadiums, the government should instead lease them or even give investors land to develop stadiums from scratch.
“Dear Kipchumba Murkomen. Be informed that in Europe, eg the UK, football clubs own stadiums. Those that don’t own, lease stadia from private owners. Wembley Stadium is owned by the British government and has never been privatised.”
Murkomen while responding to concerns of kenyans said that the kenyan sports sector has not reached a stage where it can inspire an investor to lease a stadium. The sector is still far away but the Ministry can do something to ensure sports becomes a lucrative venture in Kenya.