Ababu firm on quality as upgrading of Mbaraki Stadium commences

Kenya Ports Authority in collaboration with Sports Kenya under the Ministry of Sports has Friday afternoon started the upgrading of new Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.

The project will cost Sh. 250 million, a sponsorship from KPA and Sports Kenya.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by the Ministry of Sports Ababu Namwamba, who said that they will work hand-in-hand with KPA to ensure that once the facility is complete, it will meet the international standards.

"We will first take care of the racing track, stands, the playing field and a standard pavilion, the land here isn't that big - almost three hectares to cater for the facility we need but with better plan we will deliver a standard and decent stadium.

"We will combine our resources, I urge KPA in your next budget cycle 2024 -2025 to add the financing of the stadium same as our side to deliver an international standard Mbaraki Stadium," Ababu added.

Namwamba also acknowledged the rich talent in the Coast region saying that The Talanta Stadium now being built in Nairobi was to be built in Mombasa but the timeframe to AFCON 2027 made it difficult.

"The plan we had to build another international stadium here in Mombasa will continue, that's why today and tomorrow I will lead the search for space where we will make the pursue this dream to come true. I commit to the people of Coast that Mombasa as the second largest city of Kenya will have an international stadium."

Mbaraki Stadium upgrade will to take up to six months with Bandari FC seeking to get a new home for their four remaining home matches before the season ends.

Kenya Ports Authority management representative Dr. Sudi Ali Mwasinango said that their quest to upgrade the stadium to international standards has now taken shape after involvement of the National Government.

He is upbeat that the facility will be a home to groom talents to many coastal youths.

"The upgrade of this facility to international standards has come at the right time, the authority through its maintenance budget had several intervention in a bid to improve the facility but we were somehow limited in terms of resources and that's why we reached to Sports Kenya to assist and I’m glad they responded in affirmative way "

Once completed the stadium will cease to be a private facility but open for public use according to Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto. 

"Mbaraki Stadium is situated in a private club owned by KPA club but we signed an MOU to open it up for the public, as we embark on this project this will be a public facility co managed by Sports Kenya and KPA"