Siaya has burst into the limelight as business opportunities thrive ahead of the near conclusion of this year’s Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games.
The County Government successfully bid and secured the rights to host the event, with Governor James Orengo taking over as Patron of the Association from Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Baraza who has steered the association for the last one year.
Since the games began, major towns in and around Siaya have experienced a massive boost across all sectors of the economy.
Hotels and accommodation facilities have been fully booked, food vendors and kiosks have recorded bumper sales, while hawkers selling foodstuffs, clothing, and other items have done brisk business even inside the iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, the main venue for this year’s KICOSCA Games.
The boda boda industry has flourished as visitors and locals move between various event venues. Supermarkets have seen increased footfall, with visitors shopping for groceries and other items. Public transport along major roads has also improved to meet the surge in demand. Healthcare facilities have remained busy, attending to visitors seeking medical services.
Beyond the economic gains, the games have fostered rich social and cultural interactions among participating counties. On the sporting front, Team Nyalore has delivered impressive results as the competition nears its close.
In scrabble, the Siaya men secured an admirable 2nd position overall, finishing just behind Busia. Siaya’s Willis Ang’awa was the county’s best player, placing 4th out of 79 participants—a slight drop from his previous outstanding performances. Two Siaya players, Willis Ang’awa and George Okello, qualified for the upcoming East Africa Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games, which selects the top 10 players in the standings. Perennial national champion Patrick Miriti from Meru was dethroned and finished in 2nd place.
In the ladies’ scrabble category, Siaya was dethroned from 1st place by Nairobi and settled for 2nd position. The county’s best performer was team captain Merceline Amuga, who finished 3rd out of 75 players. One female player from Siaya qualified for the EALASCA Games (top 10 positions).
Other notable male team members were:Julius Odhiambo, Dr Bob Awino, and Jacob Ooro who gave their best in a fiercely contested tournament that attracted 22 counties.
In the ladies’ category, debutant Sheila Amiso from the Department of Education delivered a sterling performance, supported by spirited efforts from Caroline Omondi, Diana Elsie Awuor, and Esther Amolo from administration.
These achievements were made possible through the strong support of the Nyalore administration led by Governor James Orengo, CECM for Tourism, Sports and Culture Anjeline Oduor, Chief Officer Judith Oyugi, Director of Sports Dr Sanmac Okoth, and Deputy Director John Ang’awa, who also serves as the current Chairman of the National Technical Committee.