KICOSCA games come to an end amid calls for peaceful coexistence

The Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) games have come to an end, with leaders sounding a call for peaceful co-existence among Kenyans.

While most people attended just to catch a glimpse of the athletics and soccer finals at the fourth edition of the inter-county sports games in Thika, fans were as well treated to a series of performances at the closing ceremony of the week-long games.

The games flagged off on Monday by the host Governor William Kabogo brought together 32 counties, recording the highest participation ever.

With Kiambu and Kisii soccer teams jostling for the title, fans thronged the stadium each ready to chant the best cheering anthems in support of their teams. The match saw the teams go for an extra time having scored 2-2 only for hosts Kiambu to fall short and lose to the visiting county.

As expected, all eyes were on the athletics finals with the athletes living up to the expectations. Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties put on a spectacular show. The hosts Kiambu emerged third overall winning gold in pool, volleyball and basketball and silver in squash and football.

The closing ceremony featured traditional dances by the famous Mombasa county dancing troupe and Narok county dancers.

Addressing the players, county leaders and staff, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo noted the huge success of the event that is in its fourth edition, attributing the gains to the goodwill and support of the counties in the quest of peaceful coexistence and upholding diversity.

“In particular I wish to acknowledge the prominent support of the governors, whose decision to honour these games with their presence has given prestige and significance to the efforts of all athletes who participated in the competition,” Kabogo said, citing the inspiring and moving performances as the highlight of the week-long sporting event.

Kabogo said that Kenya has immense talent that needs to be nurtured not only for competition but for personal gains. “We have all witnessed the immense talent. All we need is lots of support especially for the youth that can enhance their livelihoods through sports,” he said.

Kiambu bid and won to host this year’s edition of KICOSCA games after satisfying organisers on the quality of its sporting facilities. The county is on course to repair and improve stadiums with a goal of building or renovating a stadium per ward by the end of next year.

Kiambu minister of youth and sports, Mr. Machel Waikenda, called on all counties to support the annual event.

“This is a good ground to promote peace and grow tolerance amongst all communities in Kenya. We would urge all the 47 counties to participate in the events in the future,” he said.