Ruto Releases Sh1.2 Billion to Complete Mombasa Stadium

President William Ruto has announced that the Government has released Sh1.2 billion to complete the long-delayed Mombasa Stadium, with construction expected to be finished before April 2027.

Ruto said the project had taken years to complete because of challenges surrounding the initial contract, including concerns over the cost of construction and the use of public funds.

Speaking in Mombasa, the President said he rejected the original pricing and ordered a review before allowing the Government to proceed with the works.

“That price that had been set there, I did not accept it, because I do not want to participate where I see corruption or slackness,” Ruto said.

He said those involved had since agreed to reduce the construction cost, paving the way for the Government to release funds for the remaining works.

“Those who have been there have agreed to reduce the construction cost and now I have agreed, we have released government money amounting to 1.2 billion,” he said.

Ruto said the stadium would be completed before April 2027, while acknowledging the lengthy delays that have affected the project.

“God willing, before April next year that stadium will be completed. I know it has taken a long time,” he said.

The Mombasa Municipal Stadium is a planned 15,000-seater facility whose construction has been stalled for years. In February 2026, the national government took over the project from the Mombasa County Government as part of efforts to accelerate its completion. The Kenya Defence Forces was also brought in to support the works.

Ruto also disclosed that he had discussed plans for another stadium in Shanzu, Mombasa, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The President said Infantino had agreed to support the construction of the proposed facility, but that challenges had since emerged.

“I met with the FIFA President…we had talked with him and he had agreed to build us another stadium in Shanzu,” Ruto said.

Ruto said he would continue engaging FIFA over the proposal, describing the commitment as an outstanding promise.

The remarks follow a September 24, meeting between Ruto and Infantino in New York, where a FIFA-standard stadium in Mombasa was among the projects discussed, according to Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed.

For now, the Government’s immediate commitment is to complete the existing Mombasa Stadium, with Ruto setting April 2027 as the target for the facility to be ready.