The 14th Edition of the East Africa Local Authorities Sports and Cultural Association (EALASCA) games held in Kampala, Uganda, ends today, 28 February 2025, as Kenya registers an outstanding performance in most disciplines.
The competition attracted five teams constituting political and technical categories of the local authorities, including KICOSCA Kenya, CASA Kenya, KCCA, Jinja City, and Mbale City. KICOSCA Kenya won all games except for netball, in which they came first runners-up.
Twenty-four staff from Siaya County were selected to participate and represent Kenya in netball, scrabble, chess, handball, football, darts, and hammer. The selections were done based on the outcome of the 11th Edition of KICOSCA games held in Kakamega County late last year. The team was headed by CECM Tourism, Sports, and Culture Hon. Angeline Oduor together with the Chief Officer, Madam Judith Oyugi, and the KICOSCA national chairperson, Mr. John Ang'awa.
Hon. Angeline registered her appreciation to Governor Orengo for his continued support towards activities in the tourism and sports department. She also congratulated the Siaya team for making it to such a competitive team in Kenya, recognizing the diverse talents that the participants have in sports. She noted the importance of these games as they promote social and cultural exchange as well as the sharing of best practices in governance and service delivery.
"I wish to appreciate our governor for supporting our activities in the department and giving team Siaya an opportunity to participate in the EALASCA games here in Kampala, Uganda. I wish to recognize the efforts of the organizers and officials of EALASCA, KICOSCA, and CASA for the seamless and flawless organization of these games, and I would urge all staff to work hard next time to increase the number of participants from our county as we look forward to the next EALASCA games," said Hon. Oduor.
The KICOSCA Chairperson, Mr. John Ang’awa, on the other hand, thanked the County Government of Siaya through the governor and the CECM Tourism for supporting participants from Siaya and facilitating them on time, leading to their exemplary performance in the games. While emphasizing the efforts to bring on board all the East African member countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
"The leadership of EALASCA is keen on bringing all the member countries to this important formation, and the next edition they will coordinate them for participation; thus, we foresee the likelihood of a different country other than Kenya and Uganda hosting these prestigious games," said Mr. Ang’awa.
KICOSCA Patron, Governor H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa, who opened the games, lauded the officials, stating that the event will foster collaboration and camaraderie among employees across the East African Countries.
Various dignitaries, including H.E. Joash Maangi, the Ambassador of Kenya to Uganda, the Deputy Executive Director Moses Benon Kigenyi, who led the Ugandan delegation, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, H.E. Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, Turkana Governor H.E. Jeremiah Lomorukai, Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones, officials from various County Assemblies, and other senior officials, attended the EALASCA games.