Kakamega: Kakamega County will host the 11th Edition of the Kenya Inter County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) games starting today. Governor Fernandes Barasa announced that the week-long championship aims to unite participants from all 47 counties. The Governor highlighted that Kakamega County secured the hosting rights over Mombasa and Nyeri counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Barasa, during a visit to Mumias sub-county, stated that the competition will feature various sports and vibrant cultural performances. The inspection of the County’s preparations for the 2024 KICOSCA edition at Mumias Sports Complex was conducted by Barasa alongside National Chairman KICOSCA John Ang’awa. They both expressed their expectation that all 47 counties will participate in the event.
The festival will include disciplines such as football, handball, basketball, netball, squash, badminton, tug of war, scrabble, chess, volleyball, pool, ajua, golf, table tennis, and darts. Additionally, there will be
a choir competition and cultural dance performances. Nairobi County, the defending champion, is set to face strong competition from Kakamega, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu. Kisumu and Uasin Gishu secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the previous event.
During the last championship in Meru County, Nairobi excelled, winning gold in darts, table tennis, set pieces, squash, men’s volleyball, badminton, men’s handball, women’s netball, and basketball. Governor Barasa emphasized that the event will help foster local talent and enhance the hospitality industry using available resources. He also encouraged the business community and women in the region to capitalize on the occasion to grow their businesses.
Governor Barasa stated that the event serves as an ideal platform for showcasing the region’s capability to host local and international tournaments, emphasizing Kakamega’s position as Kenya’s talent hub with an enthusiastic sporting fan base. He expressed his honor in assuming the patronage of the
KICOSCA Council, taking over from Meru Governor Mwangaza Kawira.
Participants are invited to explore Kakamega’s rich tourist attractions, including the tropical rainforest with diverse wildlife, the iconic crying stone of Ilesi, the Wanga cultural centre, and the community’s warmth. Governor Barasa received a chain and torch from West Pokot Governor and Chair of the Council of Governors Sports and Culture Committee, Simon Kachapin.
