CASA GAMES 2026: ALL 47 COUNTY ASSEMBLIES CONVERGE ON KISUMU
Over 10,000 participants from all 47 county assemblies have gathered in Kisumu for a week of sport, culture and competition, running October 25 to 31.
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Running from October 25 to 31, 2026, the week-long event is being held under the theme “Beyond Competition: Forging Lasting Bonds Through Sports and Culture.” Organisers expect more than 10,000 participants to take part in the games, which combine sporting competition, cultural performances and opportunities for inter-county engagement.
The event also places Kisumu in the spotlight as the city welcomes delegations, officials and visitors expected to support local businesses throughout the week.
Sports, Culture and a New Competition
The games will feature a wide range of sporting disciplines, including football, volleyball, netball, handball, golf, badminton and athletics.
Participants will also compete in indoor games, while the programme includes para-volleyball, music and cultural performances, and a beauty contest.
One of the notable additions to this year’s programme is a competitive eating contest, announced by the National Organising Committee led by Chairperson Peter Imwatok.
The event is also being held in honour of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, adding a political and symbolic dimension to the gathering in the lakeside city.
Activities are scheduled across several venues, including Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu National Polytechnic, Kenyatta Sports Ground and Aga Khan Hall.
County Assemblies Face the Test of Competition
Beyond participation, attention will turn to the county assemblies seeking to defend their previous achievements and establish themselves as leading performers in this year’s competition.
Bungoma County Assembly enters the games following its recognition as the Overall Best County Assembly at the 2025 edition in Meru. Its performance across multiple disciplines puts it among the delegations to watch as the competition unfolds.
The hosts, Kisumu County Assembly, will also be under pressure to deliver on home soil. Its choir has enjoyed notable success in previous editions, winning the set-piece and sacred own-choice categories for three consecutive editions, according to the information provided.
In sports, Kisumu will be seeking to improve on its bronze-medal finishes in netball and tug-of-war at the 2025 games.
Bomet County Assembly will be looking to build on its previous performance as Overall Second Runners-Up, while Nyeri’s athletes will be among those to watch in track-and-field events, including the 3,000-metre race and walking races.
The results will determine which assemblies emerge as the strongest overall performers in a competition that tests not only athletic ability but also teamwork, preparation and institutional pride.
Economic Opportunities for Kisumu
The arrival of thousands of participants and visitors is expected to create business opportunities across Kisumu, particularly in hospitality, transport, retail and tourism.
Hotels, restaurants, traders and transport operators could benefit from increased demand during the week, while cultural activities may provide an additional platform for showcasing the region’s heritage.
The scale of the event, however, also presents a logistical challenge, requiring effective coordination of venues, accommodation, transport and other services to ensure a smooth experience for participants and residents.
As the games continue through October 31, attention will remain on the competition for honours, the performances of the host county and the wider impact of an event bringing representatives from all 47 county assemblies together.
For Kisumu, the CASA Games offer an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host a major national gathering while promoting sportsmanship, cultural exchange and cooperation among Kenya’s devolved legislative institutions.
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Written by FRANKLINE NYANDORO
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
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