Go for Gold: CS Ogutu Flags off Siaya KICOSCA 2024 Team

The 11th edition of KICOSCA games kick off today Monday 25 November and will end on November 30th 2024.

Ogutu spoke highly of the team as he flagged them off at the county headquarters for the week-long competitions that will be held at Mumias in Kakamega County.

“Go conquer and bring the trophy home,” Ogutu told the highly motivated teams, adding jocularly “We don’t mind coming back with all the trophies as number one in all disciplines.”

Ogutu said Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo is committed to promoting staff sporting activities that’s why he instructed all staff going for KiCOSCA games in Kakamega be adequately facilitated.

Further, the President delivered some good news to the three players who had failed to make it the list of 23 players traveling to Spain and the world Cup.

Ogutu said the facilitation is meant to boost players morale so as to concentrate and perform well.

“We had witnessed great performances that saw team Siaya earning quality trophies despite challenges in the previous KICOSCA games and we hope, will a better exposure and experience in Kakamega,” said Ogutu

He further revealed that the convenors will soon be introducing hockey and rugby as part of disciplines that Siaya participates in the KICOSCA games.

The CS said the state-of-the-art studium constructed in Siaya has specifications to handle such games and will start nurturing talents in readiness to participate in future competitions.

“We shall introduce and promote hockey and rugby games in Siaya with a view to represent them in the future competitions,” he said.

“I know, our teams have strong netballers, handballers, volleyballers, and all disciplines listed.”

County Executive Committee Member incharge of Tourism and Sports Anjeline Oduor wished the team well saying she has confidence and trust in the “Nyalore” team.

“We know the teams are capable and want to urge the handballers who emerged victor’s in the previous KICOSCA competitions to ensure they again lift Siaya flag high this year.Other disciplines should also follow suit,”

Oduor vowed to not only join Siaya teams in Kakamega but also to motivate them through cheerleading.

County Executive Committee Members(CECM) present included Jacqueline Oduol (Water), Martin K’Onyango(Health), Dr Edgar Otumba(Education) and Maurice Orege(Lands) who all vowed to join the Nyalore team and offer support.

“Am sure, this time round we will have more trophies,” said K’Onyango.

Acting Tourism and Sports chief officer Peter Asuke lauded Governor Orengo’s directive that has enabled participants to get facilitated in time.

Orengo’s action has left the teams with peace of mind and more efforts will be devoted on games.

Director Sports Sanmac Okoth revealed that some of the disciplines including chess that Siaya has been top were introduced by him and current chairman of KICOSCA John Ang’awa.

“We have also improved in our coaching .In disciplines we have not been yielding results we are going to perform better.”

“Football and netball teams that performed dismally in the previous games have undergone vigorous training and we have full confidence in them,” said Okoth adding that they had given them resources and best coaching.

The games are taking place in Mumias and Kakamega towns with participation from 47 counties a notable improvement from last year’s event in Meru which featured 37 Counties.

Kakamega secured the hosting rights ahead of Mombasa and Nyeri with Governor Fernandes Baraza, the newly installed patron of KiCOSCA promising to deliver the best edition

Today’s opening match is between Kakamega and Nairobi City County.

The counties will battle it out in football, handball, basketball, netball, squash, badminton, tug-of-war, scrabble, netball, chess, volleyball, pool, ajua, golf, table tennis and darts. There will also be a cultural dance and choir competitions.