Coast

Tourism boost as Mombasa wins bid to host East African Inter-Parliamentary Games

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir alongside the Speaker of the County Assembly of Mombasa Hon. Aharub Khatri when he received the Bunge Sports Club team at his office led by Co-Chairs Vincent Kawaya and Senator Danson Mungatana and senators Beth Syengo and Dan Maanzo on June 4, 2024. (Photo: X/Abdulswamad Nassir)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 5, 2024

From December 6 to 19, 2024, Mombasa is expected to welcome over 1,500 MPs and Senators from East African parliaments, along with their support staff.

In a significant boost to Mombasa's tourism sector, the coastal city has been chosen to host the East African 2024 Inter-Parliamentary Games.

Following a competitive selection process among various counties in Kenya, Mombasa emerged as the preferred location for the annual games involving parliaments from East African countries.

Keep reading

The decision was formally conveyed to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, by the co-chairs of the Bunge Sports Club, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, during a meeting held at the Governor's offices in Mombasa.

From December 6 to 19, 2024, Mombasa is expected to welcome over 1,500 MPs and Senators from East African parliaments, along with their support staff.

"Kenya was the biggest brother in the region, and the expectation from the member states was very high," Mungatana said.

“This influx of visitors is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector.”

County support

Governor Abdulswamad expressed confidence in Mombasa's ability to successfully host the games, citing the city's ample facilities, including fields, accommodation, hospitals, and security measures.

"We assure the leadership of the Parliament that Mombasa County will offer all necessary support for the success of the games," Governor Abdulswamad affirmed, highlighting the opportunity for Mombasa to showcase its offerings on a regional stage.

He assured the team that Mombasa would do better than the last time they hosted in 2016.

In preparation for the event, a joint Secretariat has been established to ensure effective coordination and the smooth flow of information among all stakeholders.

“With Mombasa set to take centre stage as the host city for the East African 2024 Inter-Parliamentary Games, anticipation is high for a successful and memorable event that will further strengthen regional ties and promote tourism in the coastal city,” said Mungatana.

Early this year, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba toured Mombasa where he inspected the various stadiums.

Namwamba highlighted the abundant football talent in the region and emphasised the necessity of a world-class stadium in Mombasa and other coastal towns.

At the same time, he announced renovations at the Mombasa Municipal Stadium which has been inactive for 11 years, stating they are aiming to ensure the stadium is of FIFA standards

The renovations are estimated to cost Sh1.2 billion.