Governor James Orengo today received the chain of authority for the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games from the outgoing patron, Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Baraza, in a symbolic handover that officially granted Siaya County the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the games. KICOSCA is the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association, an annual event established in 2012 by the Council of Governors to promote unity, talent development and cultural exchange among county government employees.
The games bring together civil servants from across Kenya’s 47 counties to compete in a wide variety of sports and cultural activities. Events played annually include athletics (track and field events such as sprints, long-distance races, hammer throw, and relays), football, volleyball (men and women), netball, handball (men and women), basketball, tug-of-war, darts, Scrabble, choir competitions, traditional dances, and cultural exhibitions. A total of 37 counties confirmed their participation and were present as the games officially kicked off today at the iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.
The County Government of Siaya’s Department of Health and Sanitation has deployed more than 46 emergency medical teams and intervention units across various venues, ensuring rapid response and rescue services throughout the duration of the KICOSCA Games. Speaking during the handover ceremony of the chain and torch, Governor Orengo thanked the participating teams and described the event as a continuation of cultural interaction that began last year when Siaya County hosted the Piny Luo Cultural Extravaganza. He expressed optimism that the games would boost economic prosperity through increased business activity from visiting players, dignitaries and members of the public.
He further assured participants that preparations were complete and standards set high for a successful tournament, urging Siaya County teams to aim for trophies and bring honours home. Siaya County Director of Sports, Dr Sanmac Okoth, expressed satisfaction with the preparations, stating that everything had been done to ensure the week-long games would be a resounding success. The iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium will serve as the main venue, with additional events hosted at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Siaya, Siaya National Polytechnic, Kirindo, Liganwa, Mulaha, Awelo, Ambrose Adeya Adongo halls and several other locations within Siaya County.
Other governors who witnessed the handover included West Pokot Governor H.E. Simon Kachapin, Chairperson of the Sports Sub-Committee in the Council of Governors (CoG), Vihiga Deputy Governor, County Secretary Mr Joseph Ogutu, various County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), Chief Officers and other KICOSCA officials.
During the ceremony, leaders also paid tribute to the fallen ODM leader, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga who untimely passed on 15th October 2025.The outgoing patron, Governor Fernandes Baraza, congratulated Siaya County and Governor James Orengo for taking up the hosting mantle, noting that Kakamega’s “Nyalore administration” had set a very high standard.“We (Kenya) emerged overall champions in the East African Inter-Counties Games last time, and I hope the same spirit will be replicated here,” said Governor Baraza. He added that the games provide county staff with a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen inter-county relations. The week-long programme features a wide array of disciplines, including football, tug-of-war, netball, handball (men and women), volleyball (men and women), athletics events such as hammer throw, Scrabble, choir performances, and many other sports and cultural activities.