This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (Kicosca) Games concluded on Sunday in Kericho County, with perennial rivals Nairobi and Uasin Gishu counties retaining the first and second positions, respectively.
Nairobi garnered 29 points to emerge overall victors, while Uasin Gishu secured 14 points. Kisumu county took third position with 12 points.
Uasin Gishu led in track and field events with 186 points, followed by Nandi county with 113 points and Narok county with 95 points.
On the football pitch, Kakamega county beat West Pokot 2-1 in a closely contested final at the Kericho Green Stadium on Saturday.
West Pokot scored first in the 32nd minute, but Kakamega's David Olaka equalized in the 66th minute. Kakamega's Alfas Khaemba then sealed the win with a decisive goal in the 78th minute.
Traditional dancers and hundreds of supporters celebrated with the Kakamega team after the final whistle.
Uasin Gishu piped Nakuru 4-1 in the play-offs to secure the third slot, while West Pokot edged out Nakuru 2-0 in the semi-finals.
However, Machakos county, the defending football champions, failed to participate due to a lack of funds from the national treasury, which was caught up in a spat between the National Assembly and the Senate.
Narok county protested against the overall rankings, which placed them third, despite their own calculations showing them at the top of the league.
“We have officially lodged our complaint with the officials and the issue has been resolved,” said Paul Kariuki, the director of sports at Narok County.
“Narok County exhibited a sterling performance, but there is always a winner and a loser in any contest,” he added.
Some Narok County fans had attempted to rough up Athletics Kenya officials but were restrained by officials and guards at the Kericho Teachers Training College.
At the closing ceremony, Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony and Kicosca Governing Council chairman Peter Ogalo praised the participants for their high level of discipline and commitment during the games.
“I am happy we did not experience any incidences of crimes, protests or violence in the games and the participants enjoyed a good hospitality both from the residents and the business community,” said Chepkwony.
“Kericho has been a great host and we are looking forward to the next host county to maintain the tempo and even raise it higher,” Ogalo added.
