However, Ruto's government has been criticized over taxation, unemployment and its handling of dissent. Given that this stadium cost approximately €375 million ($418 million), it is perhaps no surprise that questions are being asked about the decision to invest in major sports infrastructure. "People are asking, we are a struggling economy. There are a lot of other issues that could be addressed, like the education sector, health and all that. How did we get that money and be able to make that provision? Also interestingly, is that there's an appearance fee that is going to be paid to both Bayern and Ajax," said Wanjohi, who added there was also some frustration that the opening game was not given to local teams or even the national side. Ultimately, the timing of this also matters. While many sports fans in the country are excited, others are critical. "The government knows that this is almost like a campaign tool. We have an election coming up in August next year so the government or the president of the day obviously wants to use as much leverage of such an event to milk it for all it's worth," Wanjohi added. "So the two different schools of thought are: It's a good thing to have, but at what cost are we doing it at and is it in the public interest as well?"   submitted by   /u/Sparky-moon [link]   [comments]