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KPA sports facility to host East African Community Interparliamentary 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 | Sunday, June 9, 2024

Over 1,500 MPs and Senators from East African parliaments, along with their support staff, are expected to participate in the games.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) sporting facilities have been designated to host the 14th edition of the East African Community Interparliamentary Games (EAC-IPG) this December.

The games, scheduled for December 7-19, 2024, will be primarily held at the KPA Sports Club Mbaraki, with the KPA Welfare Club in Makupa serving as a secondary venue.

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The Bunge Sports Club Executive Committee, led by co-chairs Vincent Musyoka and Senator Danson Mungatana, recently inspected the facilities and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing upgrades at the KPA Sports Club Mbaraki.

The primary venue's readiness was assured by the KPA General Managers, Engineer Julius Tai and Engineer Mathews Amuti, who represented the Managing Director during the inspection.

Senator Mungatana emphasised the importance of the annual games in fostering relationships between the East African Community Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the parliaments of the East African Community region.

"Kenya, as the biggest brother in the region, has high expectations from the member states, and we are committed to meeting those expectations," Mungatana stated.

The event will feature various sports disciplines, including athletics, football, netball, basketball, volleyball, tug of war, darts for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and golf.

Over 1,500 MPs and Senators from East African parliaments, along with their support staff, are expected to participate.

Preparations

In preparation for the games, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir earlier this week met with the Bunge Sports Club co-chairs to discuss the city’s readiness. Governor Nassir assured the delegation of Mombasa's capability to host the event successfully, citing the city's ample facilities, including 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.

The Managing Director KPA Captain William Ruto, reiterated their commitment to completing the facility upgrades in time for the event. "The KPA is dedicated to ensuring that our venues are fully prepared to host this significant regional event," he said.

A joint secretariat has been established to ensure effective coordination and smooth communication among all stakeholders, aiming to make the 14th EAC-IPG a memorable and successful event for all participants.

The selection of Mombasa as the host city was the result of a competitive process, with the coastal city's robust infrastructure and scenic appeal playing key roles in its selection.

The games are expected to provide a substantial boost to the local economy and tourism sector, showcasing Mombasa’s offerings on a regional stage.

In March, the upgrading of the new Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa kicked off.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, a project that will cost Sh 250 million from a sponsorship from KPA and Sports Kenya.

According to Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto, the stadium will no longer be a private facility once it is completed and will be available for public use.