Kisumu County has stepped up preparations to host the 7th Edition of the County Assembly Sports Association (CASA) Games, with officials from the Association’s National Executive Committee visiting the County to assess its level of preparedness.
The games are scheduled to take place from October 10 to 17, 2026, bringing together county assemblies from across the country for the annual sporting event.
The theme of this year’s CASA games is “Harnessing the power of sports and culture in re-igniting hope and restoration in times of crisis”
The visiting delegation, led by Peter Imwatok, Chairperson of the CASA National Governing Council and Leader of Majority at the Nairobi County Assembly, paid a courtesy call on Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili, on Tuesday.
Dr. Owili assured the delegation that Kisumu County is ready to host the games and provide the necessary facilities and support for the event.
The CASA officials later held discussions with the local organising committee before touring various sporting and hospitality facilities across the county to assess their suitability ahead of the games.
The inspection is expected to inform further preparations as Kisumu works to ensure that sporting venues, accommodation facilities, and other logistical arrangements are in place for the national event.
CASA Games bring together Members of County Assemblies and staff from Kenya’s 47 county assemblies for sporting and cultural competitions aimed at promoting teamwork, devolution spirit, integration, interaction, and peer learning.
The first edition was held in Nairobi in 2018, with subsequent editions hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bungoma, and Meru counties.
The inaugural County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) Games were officially inaugurated on August 27, 2018, at Kasarani Stadium and were launched by President William Ruto when he was Deputy President (DP) then.
The theme then was “Enhancing Legislative Agenda through Sports and Culture”. To bring together Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and assembly staff from across Kenya’s 47 counties to foster unity, collaboration, and the spirit of devolution through sport.
The annual event has grown into a major inter-county assembly sporting platform, featuring disciplines such as football, volleyball, athletics, table tennis, badminton, darts, pool, tug of war, and cultural activities.
The games bring together Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and County Assembly staff, with CASA regulations requiring a 50:50 participation ratio between elected members and assembly employees.
The rules also restrict County Assemblies from fielding external players, ensuring the competition remains an affair of County Legislators and their staff.
The County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA) Games in Kenya are an annual multi-sporting and cultural event that unites Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and assembly staff from all 47 counties.
They are meant to help promote cohesion, physical wellness, and stronger working relationships among the legislative arms of county governments.
The games feature over 20 discipline draws, including football, volleyball, netball, athletics, tug-of-war, darts, pool, and cultural dances, and thousands of delegates from the 47 counties, showcasing both their athletic talent and regional cultural diversity through traditional attire and performances.
The successful regional teams also feed into broader regional competitions like the East Africa Local Authorities and Cultural Association (EALASCA) games.
By Mabel Keya-Shikuku and Pamella Dorothy
