Musician Bien-Aimé Baraza has criticised the government over the amount of money spent on the construction of Talanta Stadium, questioning its spending priorities.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, November 2, Bien argued that the project had come at an inflated cost, with the funds better directed towards supporting local athletes and addressing challenges in the sports sector.
He clarified that his criticism was not against the construction of the stadium but the government’s failure to adequately support Kenyan sportsmen and women, particularly footballers struggling with unpaid allowances and a poorly functioning local league.
Musician Bien-Aimé Baraza. Photo: Courtesy.
Bien cited skater Kevin Kiarie, who reportedly missed an opportunity to represent Kenya in an international competition due to a lack of financial and institutional support.
He also questioned the government’s expenditure on bringing international football clubs, including Bayern Munich, to Kenya, arguing that local athletes deserved greater investment and support.
While acknowledging that Talanta Stadium would remain a valuable public facility beyond President William Ruto’s administration, Bien questioned whether its long-term benefits justified the construction cost.
He maintained that the government should balance investment in sporting infrastructure with support for local talent and the development of Kenya’s sports sector.
