The Government has allocated a budget of Sh.6.4 billion this year for the development of the sports sector, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports Mr. Ababu Namwamba has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Chairman of Anti-Doping Agency Mr. Wesley Korir, Namwamba lauded the Kenya Communication Sports Organization (KECOSO) governing council for its dedication to organizing this event since its inception in 1978 and showing its commitment to fostering the spirit of ‘Taking Sports to the People’.
The CS who was speaking at the start of the 42nd edition of KECOSO games which kicked off Saturday at Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok County said the launch of the Talanta Hela Initiative recognizes and monetizes the immense talent that exists in the country
KECOSO Games were founded in 1978 and have always championed the promotion of sports activities within member organizations. Talanta Hela Initiative aims to stimulate economic growth from the grassroots level by investing in creative and sports spaces, enabling talented individuals to earn a living from their skills.
Speaking at the same occasion, Narok Governor Mr Patrick Ntutu said by bringing professionals together through sports, organizations like KECOSO create an opportunity for knowledge sharing and promote teamwork, inclusivity and cohesion among people.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Ntutu said that the county government is committed to improving the sporting infrastructure, noting that with great efforts, William Ole Ntimama Stadium has become the home ground for the newly promoted Kenya Premier League side Shabana FC.
The KECOSO Governing Council Chairman Mr. Henry Mwasaru said the gathering brings together a tapestry of individuals united by a common thread: the love and passion for sports.
Mwasaru added that the goal of KECOSO games is to create a more inclusive environment that will bring together all participants who share a passion for sports and teamwork within the industry.
“This collaboration resonates with KECOSO’s mission of “providing quality sporting activities for competition, leisure, and recreation among its members in the region by optimally leveraging resources,” Mwasaru said.
KECOSO Governing Council Secretary General Mr. Omole Asiko said the KECOSO games offer an opportunity for organizations to come together, interact, and foster meaningful relationships.
Asiko added that these games have become an important tradition, where we not only celebrate athletic ability but also promote camaraderie and team spirit.
This year’s games will feature 12 sporting disciplines including athletics, golf, snooker, swimming, basketball, football, darts, pool, scrabble, volleyball, netball, and table tennis, which promises to be an exciting showcase of the diverse talents in the country.
During the opening of the tournament, a football match between Talanta Fc and Posta Rangers played the first half of the game with no goals scored. Posta Rangers emerged the winners in the second half by scoring 2 goals against 1 goal from their opponents, Talanta FC.
By John Kaleke
