Kakamega: Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has promised to reward Sh100,000 to any team from the county that will lift the Western Regional Secondary School Sports Association Championship. The regional games officially commence on Wednesday and will span four days at St Peters Mumias Boys High School.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kakamega County is fielding over 450 student participants in the competitions, covering 14 different sports disciplines. Schools from Kakamega will compete against those from Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga for the Western region championship. The sports disciplines include Soccer, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Rugby, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, and Table Tennis, with categories for both boys and girls.

The Governor expressed his anticipation for a derby-style competition, particularly highlighting Butere Girls Soccer, which reached the finals of the East Africa Secondary School Games in Uganda last year. Fierce competition is also anticipated in soccer, rugby, and other disciplines as schools strive to secure a spot in the National Secondary School Games and eventually the East Africa Championship.

Kakamega is set to host the regional games for the Western region and the national games, as it gears up to welcome visitors for the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Championship in August. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Kakamega teams at St. Peters Mumias Boys High School, Governor Barasa urged students to maintain discipline and focus. He emphasized the importance of excelling academically alongside sports achievements to create future opportunities.

Governor Barasa also encouraged fair play and interaction among competitors, stating, “This is an opportunity for you to shine and also make us proud.” He assured participants of high-level preparations at the county sports fields for the upcoming competitions and advised the local business community to capitalize on the influx of visitors.

In addition, the Governor highlighted ongoing developments at Bukhungu Stadium, which is being upgraded to meet FIFA standards in preparation for hosting national school games and the East African competition. “The works are going on very well at Bukhungu Stadium, and I have been assured by the contractor that we are going to have a FIFA standard turf ground. We are also preparing the stadium to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations. We are much focused and I am sure by June next year our Stadium will be 100 percent complete,” he stated.