Kakamega County will host the 11th Edition of the Kenya Inter County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) games starting today.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the week-long championship will unite participants from all 47 counties.
The Governor said Kakamega County beat Mombasa and Nyeri counties to win the hosting rights.
While speaking in Mumias sub-county after inspecting the County’s preparations for the 2024 KICOSCA edition at Mumias Sports Complex, he said the competition will offer a range of sports and showcase vibrant cultural performance.
Barasa, accompanied by National Chairman KICOSCA John Ang’awa, said the county will be the next investment hub.
The two ultimately expect all 47 counties to participate in the sports and cultural event to be hosted by the county.
Among the disciplines lined up in the festival are football, handball, basketball, netball, squash, badminton, tug of war, scrabble, netball, chess, volleyball, pool, ajua, golf, table tennis, and darts. There will also be a choir competition and cultural dance.
Nairobi County is expected to defend its title but will face stiff competition from hosts Kakamega, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu. Kisumu and Uasin Gishu finished second and third respectively in the last event.
During last year’s championship in Meru County, Nairobi bagged gold in darts, table tennis, set pieces, squash, darts, men’s volleyball, badminton, men’s handball, women’s netball, and basketball.
He said the event aims to foster local talent and strengthen the hospitality industry with available resources.
Barasa also challenged the business community and women in the region to take advantage of the auspicious occasion to boost their businesses.
“This event is a perfect platform for residents to showcase its prowess in hosting local and international tournaments as Kenya’s talent hub with a vibrant sporting fan base,” he said.
The governor said he was honoured to assume the patronage of the KICOSCA Council after taking it from Meru Governor Mwangaza Kawira.
He invited participants to experience Kakamega’s rich tourist attractions, including the tropical rainforest with its diverse wildlife, the iconic crying stone of Ilesi, the Wanga cultural centre, and the warmth of the community.
The Governor had received a chain and torch from the West Pokot Governor and chair of the Council of Governors Sports and Culture Committee, Simon Kachapin.
By John Ochanda
