Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Bemoans Lack of Functional Stadium

By George Otieno

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa, July 12, 2025 – Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri has lamented the absence of a functional stadium in the county, citing it as a major hindrance to the growth of sports.

Speaking at the sixth edition of the Rashid Abdalla Cup in Mombasa, Khatri challenged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to table a motion in the house to address the lack of adequate sports facilities.

According to Khatri, the absence of a functional stadium has deprived many youths with football talents of a platform to showcase their skills.

“Many youths have talent, but they lack adequate facilities and playgrounds to display them,” he said.

The speaker urged MCAs to prioritize the completion of the Mombasa stadium and allocate funds for its development.

Khatri emphasized the importance of sports in keeping young people away from substance abuse. “If we didn’t have this tournament today, these youths might be using drugs. But because they have such opportunities, they keep off drugs,” he said.

He added that sports can play a significant role in shaping the lives of young people and providing them with a positive outlet for their energy and talent.

The Rashid Abdalla Cup has become a significant platform for promoting sports development in Mombasa County, providing a stage for young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially launch their careers.

The tournament has attracted talented players from across the region, and its success has been evident in the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the participants.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) chairman Benjamin Tayari, who was in attendance, expressed his willingness to scout talented players from the tournament to join Bandari FC.

“These games are important for our people. Indeed, we can sign outstanding players from this tournament to Bandari FC,” he said, highlighting the potential for sports to identify and nurture talent.

Tayari’s remarks underscore the importance of sports in promoting youth development and providing opportunities for talented individuals to excel.

The partnership between the county government and organizations like KPA can play a crucial role in promoting sports development and providing opportunities for young athletes.

The call for a functional stadium in Mombasa County is a timely one, given the growing interest in sports and the need for adequate facilities to support talent development.

It remains to be seen whether the county government will heed Khatri’s call and prioritize the development of sports infrastructure in the region.