Governor's commitment wins organisers' confidence as Kakamega prepares for school games

It is now a race against time for the KSSSA, organisers of the forthcoming national secondary school games and the East African games, to have everything ready ahead of the Term II competitions.

On Thursday, the organises through the KSSSA president Kipchumba Maiyo expressed confidence that Kakamega County will be ready to host the games, with the main venue being Buhkungu Stadium.

Bukhungu is still under renovation and there have been fears that the delayed face-lift could derail the KSSSA and FEASSSA games, set for August in 2025.

However, speaking after inspecting the facilities intended to be used, Maiyo said after wide consultations with stakeholders including Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa, they are now satisfied.

"We've been in Kakamega since Monday this week in preparations for the national and East African games, checking facilities and meeting stakeholders including the Governor. I can assure that Kakamega is more than ready to host the games," said Maiyo.

KSSSA and FEASSA Secretary General David Ngugi underlined that there were fears indeed especially considering Bukhungu’s completion. However, with the Governor’s assurance, they now feel confident all will be in place by August.

"We are expecting 10 countries to participate in the games, and our worry was the unavailability of a stadium for the guests who will attend the opening and closing ceremonies. We however agreed with the Governor, who assured us that Bukhungu will be ready to host the event," he said.

The other worry was lack of a proper swimming pool for East Africa Games, and the Governor promised to work together with Masinde Muliro University Vice Chancellor Professor Solomon Shibairo to make sure the second largest swimming pool in Kenya which is under construction at the university is completed on time.

Western Region KSSSA Secretary General Quinto Omusugu said they are happy as the debate on the host has been settled and officially declared, adding that “now the teams and stakeholders involved should embark on thorough preparations.”