This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On Saturday, Kisii County will welcome the 40th edition of the Kenya Communications Sports Organisations (KECOSO) Games, which will run until next weekend at the Gusii stadium.
The games come on the heels of the county's successful hosting of the Kenya Inter County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games just a year ago.
Over 10 teams from the communications, transport, and infrastructure ministries, as well as parastatals, will participate in various disciplines, including basketball, football, netball, volleyball, snooker, scrabble, pool, table tennis, and athletics, with over 1,000 participants expected.
Kisii County Governor James Ongwae, a former footballer, has praised the organizers for empowering young Kenyans through sports, stating, "We are determined to ensure we have best sports facilities in the country to attract national games and I hope Gusii stadium has met the required standards."
County Executive for Sports Duke Mainga echoed Ongwae's sentiments, urging the youth and business people in the region to take advantage of the events and reap benefits.
However, KECOSO technical committee chairman Muchiri Wachira expressed concerns that the games may be affected due to financial constraints, with many teams pulling out at the last minute.
"It's very unfortunate that teams have pulled out at the eleventh hour and have since affected our planning," Wachira said.
The games will be graced by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru at the opening ceremony, while Sports CS Amina Mohamed is expected to attend the closing ceremony next weekend.
The opening match will feature National Super League side Shabana taking on Kenyan Premier League side Posta Rangers, with other games set to start on Sunday.
