Preparation for Kicosca games kicks off in Kisumu, 8,000 participants expected

The preparations for the 9th Edition of Kenya inter-county sports and cultural association (Kicosca) games have kicked off in Kisumu.

More than 8,000 participants are expected to attend the Kicosca games from January 14 to 21 next year in the lakeside city.

Governor Anyang Nyong’o has received the chain, a symbol of authority and power to undertake the role of a Patron. 

Embu Governor, the outgoing Kicosca Patron Cecily Mbarire, officially handed over the chain to Nyong’o at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall on Thursday.

Council of Governor's Chairman for Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports and Social Services and West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin presided over the ceremony.

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’.

Nyong’o said the chain handing-over ceremony dates back to KIMSCA days when it was an important instrument of power for the then mayors of municipalities.

The Kicosca management retained the Chain as an identity for the games.

The handing-over of the chain by the outgoing KICOSCA host to the incoming host empowers the latter to become the patron of the 9th edition of the games.

Nyong’o said they have identified the venues and facilities that will offer accommodation to the participants.

He assured that Kisumu is ready to host the event with a committee already constituted to steer preparations and deliver a successful event. 

“We are ready for the games and a committee working on the preparations has strict deadlines to ensure this will be the best game ever in the history of Kicosca,” Nyong’o said.

He said the games provide county staff with the opportunity to interact and compete in the spirit of 'friendly rivalry' apart from building cohesion, teamwork, talent development, and benchmarking on best devolution practices and cultural diversities. 

Nyong’o promised that Kisumu will deliver an exciting competition.

“We have been hosting many international functions, including the Pan African event- the Africities summit that brought together some 11,000 delegates from across the world,” he said.

Nyong’o added that Kicosca should be all-inclusive while registering players.

He revealed that there has been an outcry that staff on short-term contracts have been locked out of the games and denied opportunities of exploring and showcasing their talents.

“The current rules restrict participation to Permanent and pensionable staff and those on a minimum of three years contract. I believe we can open it up to staff serving six months contracts as well,” Nyong’o said.

He asked the executive council to deliberate on the best way forward on the concerns raised.

Nyong’o commended Mbarire, sponsors and partners such as Kenya Commercial Bank, Posta and Safaricom for their support.

Mbarire asked counties to participate in the coming games to expand the scope of Kenya citing the importance of sports in the general well-being, regional integration, and promotion of peace and unity among others. 

Kachapin urged governors to put into place infrastructure that will attract the hosting of inter-county games saying the games provide opportunities for counties to showcase their abilities and improve their economy.

He challenged counties to support the event by putting their best foot forward by developing a culture that encourages sporting activities. 

Kisumu's dream to be the region's business and conference destination is slowly gaining momentum looking at the various events taking place in the lakeside city just having hosted the 9th Edition Africities Summit and the Kenya National Music Festivals.