The Isiolo Stadium project, once a symbol of promise for sports enthusiasts in Isiolo County, has become a grim tale of mismanagement and financial misappropriation. Over the past four years, a staggering sum of money allocated for this ambitious project has been embezzled, leaving the stadium incomplete and the community disheartened.

A Promising Start

The project began with high hopes in the 2019/2020 financial year, with an initial allocation of KSh 150 million. This was meant to lay the foundation for a stadium that would not only host local sports events but also attract regional and national competitions. The stadium was envisioned as a catalyst for local development, creating jobs and promoting sports tourism.

However, as the years progressed, the project was marred by financial irregularities and mismanagement. Here is a breakdown of the allocated and misused funds over the past four years.

Breakdown of the misuse and embezzlement of funds meant for the construction of the Isiolo Stadium as per the Auditor General

2019/2020: The Beginning of the Downfall

The initial year saw KSh 60 million out of the allocated KSh 150 million misused. There were significant delays, and a substantial amount of the funds was unaccounted for. This led to an incomplete start, stalling the project’s momentum.

2020/2021: Irregularities Take Root

The following year, irregular procurement processes became evident. KSh 80 million of the KSh 200 million allocated was misused, with contracts awarded without proper tendering and significant over-invoicing. Despite the increased budget, the stadium’s construction remained far from completion.

2021/2022: Inflated Costs and Substandard Work

In 2021/2022, the project saw an allocation of KSh 250 million. However, KSh 100 million was misused, with project costs significantly inflated. Additionally, the completed work was substandard, failing to meet the required specifications. This further delayed the project’s progress.

2022/2023: The Final Blow

The financial year 2022/2023 marked the most troubling period for the Isiolo Stadium project. With an allocation of KSh 300 million, a shocking KSh 120 million was misused. The project faced severe issues, including abandonment and significant misappropriation of funds. Poor oversight exacerbated the situation, leading to further financial discrepancies and a lack of accountability.

The Community’s Disappointment

The community’s disappointment is palpable. What was supposed to be a hub for nurturing young talent and hosting major sports events has turned into a symbol of failed promises and corruption. Local athletes and sports fans are left with an incomplete stadium and dwindling hopes.