Kiisumu County has stepped up security ahead of the seventh edition of the County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) Games, with organisers expecting about 10,000 visitors for the week-long event.
County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo said additional security teams would patrol the city and sporting venues to ensure the safety of participants, officials and spectators.
“We are well prepared. In addition to our regular patrols, we will have special teams patrolling all the areas and fields where the games will take place,” he said.
Mwabudzo said security agencies had enough personnel and resources to manage the event, adding that reinforcements could be sought from neighbouring counties if necessary.
He cited the Dala Sevens rugby tournament, which he said had passed without security incidents, as evidence of Kisumu’s ability to host major sporting events.
The commissioner urged residents and visitors to turn out for the games, saying the event would offer entertainment and showcase the county’s hospitality.
The games are due to begin on Sunday, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for Monday.
Organisers said a senior national government official would preside over the ceremony, with the guest of honour to be announced later.
CASA national chairman Peter Imwatok said preparations were complete following inspections of the venues earmarked for the competition.
“We have gone to all the fields that will be used for this particular event, and all preparations are in order. We are ready to go,” he said.
Imwatok thanked the county government, the Kisumu County Assembly, the commissioner’s office and security agencies for their support.
The competition will feature football, volleyball, netball, handball, golf and badminton.
Cultural performances and activities for people with disabilities will also be included, alongside an eating competition being introduced for the first time.
Kisumu County Assembly Clerk Kusina Opanga said the assembly and county government had worked with hotels, public institutions and other stakeholders to prepare for the influx of visitors.
More than 2,000 county assembly members are expected to take part, while the total number of visitors could reach 10,000, organisers said.
The turnout is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and entertainment businesses across the city.
Opanga said hosting the games was a significant opportunity for Kisumu, as the county might have to wait another six years before hosting the event again under the rotation system.
He also linked the games to activities celebrating the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his contribution to democracy and devolution.
Venues include Mamboleo Stadium, Kisumu Polytechnic, Aga Khan Hall and Kisumu Golf Club, among other facilities.
Organisers said a full list would be shared with the media to support coverage of the competitions.
The CASA Games bring together county assembly representatives from across Kenya for sporting competitions, cultural exchange and networking.
Mwabudzo urged Kenyans to visit Kisumu during the event, saying security arrangements had been strengthened across the city to ensure the games ran smoothly.
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