The Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba on Monday officially launched the 9th Edition of Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) games that kicked off at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu County.
More than 8,000 participants are expected to attend the games which will come to a culmination on 21st of this month in the lakeside city.
Speaking earlier on Monday morning during a meeting with Kisumu Governor Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Namwamba reiterated his commitment of working with the county administration in bettering the growth and development of the game.
“CS Hon. Ababu Namwamba this morning paid a courtesy call on Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, where they discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between Kisumu County and his ministry on areas of sports, arts and the creatives,” a statement from the Sports Ministry read. “CS Sports was representing the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.”
Nyong’o on his part noted Kisumu County has recorded impressive infrastructural development giving it an impetus to host the annual competition.
The booming hospitality sector coupled with good transport connectivity by air, road and rail as well as the establishment of Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Center and Moi Stadium are a few of the infrastructural development that gave Kisumu an edge to qualify to host the tournament.
“We are ready for the event and we welcome all our visitors for these games which have attracted all the 47 counties taking part. Owing to massive preparations put in place by a committee we constituted with strict deadlines,we promise to deliver top notch games ever in the history of KICOSCA,” he assured.
In October last year, Governor Nyong’o received the chain, a symbol of authority and power to undertake the role of a Patron from the outgoing holder of the position and his Embu compatriot Cecily Mbarire.
The games previously known as Kenya Inter-Municipal Sports and Cultural Association (KIMSCA) under the defunct local authorities aim at providing an avenue for county staff to interact and compete in the spirit of ‘Friendly Rivalry.
The first edition which was held in Nairobi in 2013 attracted 25 counties that participated in various disciplines of sports and culture.
By Fred Azelwa.