Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir has declared that Mombasa is ready to host the 14th edition of the East African Community (EAC) inter-parliamentary games.
The regional inter-parliamentary games will kick off from December 6 to December 18, 2024, at the Mbaraki Sports Club.
Chirchir announced that the regional games’ preparation had been finalised, including ensuring the necessary infrastructure and logistical support to host the prestigious event.
The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight partner states of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The games that will be played include golf, football, athletics, tug of war, netball, volleyball, basketball, and darts for PWDs.
He said Kenya is poised to organise the best ever EAC inter-parliamentary games and cement Mombasa’s place as a beacon of sports development on the EAC front.
The CS stated that the sporting event would present a unique opportunity for Kenya to showcase itself, foster camaraderie among participants and host communities, and strengthen cooperation and partnership among member states.
Chirchir disclosed that two different venues—the Mbaraki Sports Complex and the Makande Social Hall—for the indoor games have been approved for the games and assured all and sundry that it would be a memorable one.
“Every necessary facility is being put in place to ensure we organise and host a seamless and memorable event,” he said, praising the level of work done on the turf.
He also emphasized the comprehensive preparations in terms of logistics, accommodation, security, and participants’ engagement.
The CS stated that Kenya and Mombasa in particular has all it takes to host a successful EAC inter-parliamentary games.
He said Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and the host Kenya have confirmed their participation, with more confirmations expected in the coming days.
The CS, accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir and a host of MPs during the inspection tour of the venues set to host the games, disclosed that all the facilities required have been upgraded and are being made ready for the event.
Nassir stated that the devolved government will work closely with the national government, the National Assembly, and security agencies to ensure a hitch-free event.
The governor said Mombasa will take advantage of the games slated to occur between December 6 and December 18, 2024, at the Mbaraki sports complex and market the port city as a tourist destination of choice.
He said the participants should look forward to a very hospital, top-notch accommodation, and a secure environment, observing that by hosting the games, Mombasa has demonstrated its commitment to the East African Federation.
According to the Governor, the games will provide economic benefits to the residents and businesses and would be a platform for Mombasa to showcase its famed tour, travel, and hospitality industries.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib expressed confidence that the Kenyan parliamentarians would rise to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performances on and off the field.
Twalib called on Kenyans to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity that the regional sporting event embodies.
By Hussein Abdullahi
