MPs have raised concerns over slow implementation of President William Ruto's sports academies project.

This, even as the Ministry of Sports says 30 units will be ready in 12 months.

Sports PS Peter Tum had a difficult time yesterday explaining to lawmakers why the government has not implemented the President’s directive in all the 290 constituencies.

The lawmakers said the delay is contributing to perception that the government has failed to deliver on its promises.

The ultra-modern academies, which are among Ruto's flagship projects, were to help nurture talents.

They are expected to have a football pitch, a running truck, volleyball, netball, handball and tennis courts as well as ablution block.

The facilities, expected to cost at least Sh50 million each, will also have a perimeter wall and terraces with offices and rooms for creative arts.

Tum said the government will in the next 12 months build 30 academies.

He said Sh500 million has been set aside to start the works.

MPs were, however, not satisfied with the government's commitment to realise the project.

Teso South MP Mary Emase while questioning the slow progress, accused the ministry of showing no commitment.

"Is like you are managing us, you have made the President look like he lied. Where is the problem?" Emase asked.

Yatta MP Robert Ngui warned that the multi-billion project will join the long list of stalled government projects, if more money is not released.

From the Sh500 million so far allocated, it means each project will receive Sh16 million, leaving a Sh34 million budget gap.

"Why didn't you prioritise 20 constituencies with the allocation to ensure the projects are completed than being over ambitious?" Ngui asked.

“We are only talking of the Sh500 million, when will the ministry avail the remaining Sh1 billion?” asked Matungulu MP Stephen Mule.

But Tum said the government is committed to complete the 30 academies within the next year, adding that all the paper work, including advertisement has been done.

“There is goodwill and need for these academies, we prioritised the 30 because of the availability of land. Within 10 to 12 months we shall have all of them completed,” Tum told the Committee chaired by Webuye West MP Daniel Wanyama.

“We have done the feasibility studies, come up with the concept design and we have advertised.”

The first batch of the academies will be built in Mwala sports ground (Mwala), Tegat Primary School (Bomet East), Ukwala Sports Academy (Ugenya), Weru Mixed Secondary School (Ol Joro Orok), St Gabriel Asiriam Primary school (Teso South) and Mirira Primary School (Kiaharu).

Others are Magunga Primary School (Suba South), Mogotio sports Ground (Baringo), Paul Boit Boys (Turbo), Kenya Academy of Sports (Kasarani), Lunyofu grounds (Budalangi), Kesengei School (Aldai), Burendwa (Ikolomani), Gisambi (Hamisi), Kisiiki (Yatta), Siera Girls (Nambale), Kombani (Matuga), Kinyui (Matungulu) and Bokoli (Webuye West).

The academies will also be built in Kiio (Mwingi West), Kanjeru (Kabete), Mukurenju (Kandara), Imara School (Embakasi Central), Nzombe (Kitui East), Taru (Kinango), Iten (Keiyo South), Holale (Moyale Constituency), Nakalale (Turkana North) and Kotulo Primary (Tarbaj).