Nairobi County retains overall KICOSCA title
The team handed over trophies to Governor Sakaja
a y agoSTAR REPORTERNews
Kisii Governor Simba Arati meets the county's KICOSCA-bound teams/ANGWENYI GICHANASiaya County is ready to host the 12th edition of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (Kicosca) from November 24 to 29.
Kicosca secretary general Humphrey Kangea said all arrangements are in place for the five-day sports extravaganza.
"All the logistical and venue preparations are complete ahead of the annual games," said Kangea.
He revealed that the Ministry of Devolution and Local Authorities Provident Fund have enlisted for the games, while the County Provident Fund (CFP) has withdrawn.
"We recently inspected all venues. We are satisfied with the preparations. We are only waiting for the kick-off date," noted Kangea, while revealing that Nyanza Sports Club in Kisumu City will host squash and golf.
"Siaya County does not have a golf course. That is why we decided to move to Kisumu," he noted.
The main venue will be Jaramogi Oginga Stadium in Siaya town, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies.
Other venues are Siaya National Polytechnic, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Siaya Campus, St Julian's Academy, Siaya Central School and Siaya Scouts Centre.
"We expect a very competitive event since most counties have employed young people," emphasised Kangea.
More than 10,000 county employees will compete in football, handball, basketball, netball, squash, badminton, and tug of war. Others are scrabble, chess, golf, volleyball, table tennis and darts. Choir competitions and cultural dances are also lined up.
Reigning champions Nairobi will look to cement their dominance, though perennial rivals Uasin Gishu and Kisumu are expected to mount a fierce challenge for the overall title.
Kangea, who spoke to the Star on the phone, said so far, 33 counties have confirmed their participation.
"Makueni County, which did not take part in previous editions, is making a comeback," he noted.
The games have been hosted in Nairobi, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisii, Kericho, Embu, Kisumu, Meru and Kakamega Counties.
At the same time, Kangea said Kenya will host the East Africa Local Authorities Sports and Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games.
"Kenya will use next week's games to select teams for the East Africa games. We expect to have very strong teams for the regional showpiece," remarked Kangea.
