•The academies are among the 17 targeted for development in the exercise that targets all the 270 constituencies.
•The works will start after a technical team that was set up to assess the sites and work on nitty-gritty files produces its report.
The government will from next month start the construction of 10 sports academies across the country to develop talent.
Sports, Culture and Heritage CS Amina Mohammed said her ministry has set aside Sh750 million for the construction.
“The money is available, we are waiting for details,” Amina told the National Assembly’s Sports, Culture and Tourism Committee chaired by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau.
“We expect to have started by end of November and finish by end of June next year.”
The CS disclosed that the academies are among the 17 targeted for development.
The works will start after a technical team that was set up to assess the sites and work on nitty-gritty files produces its report.
“Our team has just returned from the constituencies and we expect them to give us a full report,” Amina said.
The constituencies to benefit are Igembe Central, Lagdera, Mwingi West, Voi, Mavoko, Narok South, Lurambi, Webuye, Luanda and Marakwet West.
Others are Isiolo South, Ainamoi, Tinderet, Alego Usonga, Kieni Ndaragwa and Nyaribari Chache.
The funds for the projects have been availed through the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Board.
The fund was established to consolidate funds for the construction and improvement of stadia, academies and other sports centres to nurture and develop talents.
Since its inception in the 2018-19 financial year, The fund has collected Sh30.33 billion.
The money has so far been used to construct at least four stadia across the country.
They are Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu that was done at Sh415 million and Wanguru stadium in Kirinyaga at Sh310 million.
The two grounds have hosted national celebrations.
Kisumu stadium hosted Madaraka day fete on June 1, while Wang’uru graced Mashujaa day celebrations on October 20.
The funds have also funded the construction of Posta Jamhuri Sports Ground in Nairobi for Sh609 million. The facility is 98 per cent complete.
Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu has also been funded by the fund. It was done at Sh596 million.
“With the construction of this stadia within a record time shows that we don't need four years to construct stadiums. With technologies and commitment it can be done within six or seven months,” the CS said.
The committee sought to know the magic behind the prompt completion of the stadia when other grounds, some of whose constructions started as far back as 2017, are yet to be completed.
“We have Wote, Kamariny, Kipchoge Keino and many others stadia that have delayed since 2017. What changed? Makau posed.
Amina explained that her ministry decided to take the lead to show Sports Kenya how construction could be done faster by working around the clock.
The ministry, she said, collaborated with other ministries including Interior, Water and Energy to ensure the constructions were done round the clock.
She told the MPs that the ministry will continue being involved in the construction of the stadia and academies going forward to ensure the young men and women exploit their talents.
Construction of stadia was among the flagship promises of the Jubilee administration and for a long time the government has come under fire for failing to fulfil that promise to benefit youths.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris