Narok County is set to host the 12th edition of Water Companies Sports Organization (WASCO) games in April 2023.
The County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Environment, Water and Sanitation Job Kiyiapi said it was a privilege for the county to host such a big event as it would boost the economy of the area.
This is because over 2500 water company staff from 40 companies in the country were expected to participate in the games, he said.
The event held annually aims at boosting interaction among the water company staff to build integration and cohesion as well as benchmarking and learning different cultures as the staff exchange ideas.
Kiyiapi who represented Governor Patrick Ntutu said the event’s theme ‘Reduction of Non-Revenue Water through sports and community engagement’, is an appropriate theme as this is the major challenge the company faces.
“Non-Revenue water is a big challenge and if not addressed can easily crumple the water companies. During the sporting event, the staff will exchange ideas on how to reduce such scenario,” he said.
His Kisumu counterpart Salmon Orimba, who represented Governor Anyang Nyongo, where the 11th edition was held said he had come to hand over the mantle to the county government to organize the next event.
Orimba said the event would not only motivate the water companies’ staff but also boost the economy of the host county.
“It will be an ample time to learn from each other the milestone that other companies have made as well as exchanging ideas on the challenges they face,” he said, adding that last year, Kisumu County led in customer care and service delivery while Nyeri county led in Non-Revenue Water reduction.
The games will include: football, pool, badminton, chess, netball, volleyball, darts and athletics.
The first WASCO gaming activity was held in 2010 in Thika where it was managed by the defunct county councils. However, after devolution, the events are chaired by the host county governors.
The handing over event was held on Friday at William Ole Ntimama stadium and attended by representatives from various water companies in the country.
By Ann Salaton
