•Kicosca Secretary General Kimutai Sitienei said Kakamega beat Mombasa and Nyeri counties to win the hosting rights.
•Sitienei expects 40 counties to participate in this year’s extravaganza after Baringo, Lamu and Makueni counties confirmed their participation.
Image: ANGWENYI GICHANA
Kakamega County will host the 12th edition of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games in August this year.
Kicosca Secretary General Kimutai Sitienei said Kakamega beat Mombasa and Nyeri counties to win the hosting rights.
“After inspection of facilities, we settled on Kakamega because the facilities are top-notch. Last week, we were in Kakamega and I can confirm the county is ready to host the week-long championship,” said Sitienei.
The championship will be held in Kakamega and Mumias towns from August 18-24.
Sitienei expects 40 counties to participate in this year’s extravaganza after Baringo, Lamu and Makueni counties confirmed their participation.
“Last year, 37 counties participated in the event. Three more counties have confirmed their participation in this year’s extravaganza. Ultimately, we expect all the 47 counties to participate in sports and cultural events,” added Sitienei.
He noted that Marsabit, Taita Taveta counties and the Ministry of Sports have indicated their willingness to take part in this year’s event but have not confirmed.
County Provident Fund (CPF), Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFund) and Department of Devolution will also take part.
He also revealed they have introduced women’s football. Already, Nairobi, Kakamega, Kwale, Kericho and Laikipia have confirmed their participation in the event. “We want men and women to participate in all disciplines on offer,” he added.
He said due to the unavailability of Bukhungu Stadium, athletics will be moved to Mumias Sports Complex.
“In soccer, we have eight pools. Four will be played in Kakamega and four in Mumias. If Bukhungu is not ready by August, we shall move track and field events to Mumias,” he added.
Football, handball, basketball, netball, squash, badminton, tug of war, scrabble, netball, chess, volleyball, pool, ajua, golf, table tennis and darts are among the disciplines lined up for the festival. There will also be a cultural dance and choir competition.
Nairobi County is expected to defend their title but will face stiff competition from hosts Kakamega, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu. Kisumu finished second last year and Uasin Gishu third.
During last year’s championship held in Meru County, Nairobi bagged gold in darts, set pieces, table tennis, darts, squash, badminton, men’s volleyball, men’s handball, women’s basketball and netball.
Sitienei added that this year’s East Africa Local Authorities Sports Cultural Association (EALASCA) will be held in Kampala, Uganda. Kisumu hosted last year’s event.