Kisumu County Assembly is hoping to build on its strong record in previous competitions as the seventh edition of the County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) Games gets under way in Kisumu.
At the sixth edition, held in Meru County in 2025, the assembly choir emerged overall winner in both the set piece and sacred own-choice categories.
The choir has retained the top position in the two categories for three consecutive editions of the games.
The assembly also finished third in netball, while its women’s tug-of-war team reached the semi-finals.
The men’s football team reached the semi-finals at the fifth edition of the games before exiting at the quarter-final stage in Meru last year.
The assembly has also performed well in indoor competitions, consistently finishing among the leading teams in draughts, ajua and table tennis.
The chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs, Nancy Matara, said the teams were ready to compete for honours at this year’s games.
“Our teams have prepared adequately for the games and we are confident of emerging victorious in a number of disciplines,” she said.
Thousands of participants representing Kenya’s 47 county assemblies are expected in Kisumu for the week-long event, which runs from 26 to 31 October 2026.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo on Monday, 26 October.
This year’s games will be held under the theme, “Beyond Competition: Forging Lasting Bonds Through Sports and Culture”, which highlights the role of sport and culture in promoting unity and a shared national identity.
The competitions will feature football, volleyball, netball, handball, golf, board games, badminton and para-volleyball, among other disciplines.
Kisumu is the latest county to host the games, following previous editions in Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bungoma and Meru.
Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed participants and said the event provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among county assemblies and showcase the region’s attractions.
“Kisumu is honoured to host this important gathering that brings together County Assemblies from across our great nation. We welcome you not merely as visitors, but as friends, colleagues and partners in the noble task of strengthening devolution and serving the people of Kenya,” he said.
He encouraged visitors to experience the city’s culture, hospitality and attractions along Lake Victoria.
“I invite you to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Kisumu. Take time to enjoy our rich culture, our vibrant city, our beautiful Lake Victoria and the many attractions that make Kisumu a special destination,” he added.
Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro said the county was working with security agencies and other partners to ensure the safety of participants throughout the event.
“We are working with our security apparatus and other partners to ensure Kisumu remains safe and secure and that this edition of CASA Games leaves a memorable experience on all participants,” he said.
Oraro said the games would also give assembly members and staff an opportunity to build relationships beyond their legislative duties.
“The CASA Games provide a wonderful opportunity for us to step away from the demands of our legislative responsibilities, build friendships, promote healthy living and celebrate the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship,” he said.
Assembly Clerk Nashon Kusina said the event should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion.
“Beyond competition, these Games remind us that while we may represent different counties, we are united by one country and one shared commitment to the success of devolution,” he said.
The games are also expected to boost Kisumu’s economy by increasing demand for accommodation, transport, tourism and other services.
Oraro estimates that about 10,000 participants will attend the event.
Nyong’o said the gathering would provide an opportunity to showcase Kisumu’s cultural heritage and its capacity to host major national events.
“This event will not only stimulate the local economy but also give us a chance to showcase Kisumu’s unique cultural heritage, world-class hospitality, and growing capacity to host major national events,” he said.
Robert Ayoko, secretary-general of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association, said hotels in the city had reported a significant increase in bookings ahead of the games.
“Our records indicate that most hotels are booked. We are lucky that we have enough accommodation facilities in Kisumu with the capacity to host all the guests,” he said.
Ayoko added that events attracting large numbers of visitors were beneficial to the wider western Kenya tourism circuit.
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