KECOSO games kicks off in Machakos

Principal Secretary (PS) for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, has hailed the Kenya Communications Sports Organisation (KECOSO) tournament as one of Kenya’s most enduring platforms for talent development, national cohesion and youth employment.

In his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the tournament, PS Isaboke commended KECOSO for its remarkable consistency and for producing international champions who have flown the Kenyan flag high on the global stage.

“I want to commend KECOSO for producing international champions and for keeping the spirit of the games alive for 45 years. This is no small feat,” Isaboke said.

The week-long inter-parastatal games, which run from August 22nd to 29th, have brought together hundreds of athletes drawn from key agencies in the communication and transport sector, transforming Machakos County into a hub of sporting action and inter-agency camaraderie.

This year’s competition has drawn participants from across the communications and transport docket, including the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), ICT Authority (ICTA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), among others, including the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

PS Esaboke noted that the longevity of the games is in itself a success story that many sporting organisations struggle to achieve.

“The biggest success of KECOSO is consistent sustainability for 45 years. To run a tournament of this magnitude every year, without fail, for more than four decades shows true leadership, commitment and love for sports,” he added.

The PS singled out athletics legend Tegla Lorupe and football icon Mohamed Abbas as products of the KECOSO system, saying their journey is proof that the organisation remains a genuine conveyor belt for world-class talent.

He linked the tournament’s success to the government’s broader agenda of investing in sports infrastructure as a tool for unity and economic empowerment.

“The government’s investment in sports infrastructure is unifying communities and nurturing world-class talent. It is through platforms like this that we identify, support and expose talent from the grassroots,” he said.

Isaboke emphasized that KECOSO’s impact goes beyond medals and trophies, noting that it has become a critical source of livelihoods.

“It has provided livelihoods. All these KECOSO sportsmen and women are employed within KECOSO organisations. Our youths are getting employment through sports, and that is the true spirit of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he stated.

KECOSO Secretary General Omole Asiko said this year’s edition is bigger and more inclusive, providing a unique platform for interaction among state agencies that rarely meet outside boardrooms.

“KECOSO provides a platform for all organisations, from KPA, CA and many others, for all to come and interact together. It breaks silos and builds teamwork,” Asiko said.

He added that the games continue to play a vital scouting role for national teams and have opened doors for county-based talent.

“A lot of talent has been scouted and nurtured through KECOSO, and it has provided a chance for county teams to participate and excel. Many players you see in our national leagues, today, were first seen here,” he said.

Asiko called on residents of Machakos to turn out in large numbers to support the athletes and to celebrate the county’s hosting of the prestigious tournament.

The teams will compete in a wide range of disciplines, including football, athletics, netball, volleyball, basketball, darts, table tennis and pool.

The County Government of Machakos, which is partnering in hosting the games, was represented by the County Executive (CECM) Sports, John Mwangangi Kilonzo, who welcomed the participating institutions to the county.

Kilonzo said Machakos was honoured to host the games, noting that sports provide an opportunity for participants to compete, interact and strengthen relationships beyond their workplaces, and the county is ready to provide a conducive environment for the games.

For Machakos, the hosting of the 45th Edition is expected to boost local business and reinforce the county’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for national sporting events.

By Anne Kangero