Lunga Lunga, Kenya – Residents of Kichukwa Village, located near the Kenya-Tanzania border in Kwale County, are demanding answers over the stalled construction of a Sh38 million sports field project that was launched in 2019 but abandoned shortly after.
The once-hopeful project aimed to develop local talent and offer recreational space for the youth. Today, it lies in ruins — with collapsed toilets, unfinished foundations, overgrown vegetation, and debris-ridden grounds posing risks to users.
“We gave up nine acres of land for this project, but six years later, all we have are broken promises and a ghost field,” said Athman Ruwa, the village elder.
Locals Demand EACC Investigation
Frustrated residents are now calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe how the Sh38 million earmarked for the project was used.
“Of the funds, Sh32 million was for field construction and Sh6 million for toilets. The toilet collapsed after heavy rains — and that’s all we ever saw,” lamented Abdalla Mwambega, another resident.
Despite reports to the contrary, villagers insist the project was abandoned in 2020 after only a four-door toilet, two goalposts, and a foundation for the changing room were set up.
Neglected and Forgotten
What was meant to be a beacon of youth empowerment now resembles a wasteland. The unleveled playing surface is overrun with wild shrubs and strewn stones. Locals fear that negligence has rendered the facility unsafe and useless.
“Are we in Kenya or Tanzania? We deserve answers,” said Rashid Mwajereko, a local youth leader. “Football is not just a game here — it’s a source of income.”
He cited Beja Nyamawi, a Bandari FC striker from the area who was recently selected to play for Harambee Stars in an international friendly against Chad, as proof of the village’s untapped potential.
Youth Idling, Crime Rising
The community argues that had the facility been completed, it could have curbed youth unemployment, reduced drug abuse, and promoted positive talent development.
“Instead, the youth are idle and demoralized. We feel sidelined and forgotten,” said Juma Zigambwe, another resident. “We want the President to step in.”
🔗 Ruto launches Sh5B grant for 100,000 small businesses across Kenya
County Leaders Silent, Villagers Push Back
According to residents, multiple attempts to engage county leadership have failed. The project — which they were told had already been completed — remains visibly neglected.
“We need the Ministry of Sports to intervene and hold the county accountable,” said Mwambega.
