Siaya County has burst into the national spotlight as the 2025 Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games roar toward an electrifying finish, turning the region into a hive of economic activity and cultural celebration.
The event, hosted in Siaya for the first time after the County Government won the hosting rights, has transformed the local economy almost overnight. Governor James Orengo, the new Cultural Association Patron replacing outgoing Kakamega governor Fernandez Baraza, has overseen one of the most vibrant editions of the games in recent memory.
Since the games kicked off, Siaya’s major towns — and even surrounding areas — have been buzzing with unprecedented business activity.
- Hotels and guest rooms are fully booked, with operators reporting peak-season earnings never witnessed before.
- Food vendors, kiosks, and hawkers have made a fortune, with makeshift stalls sprouting even inside the iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, the primary venue for the 2025 KICOSCA showdown.
- Supermarkets report soaring foot traffic, as visitors troop in to stock essentials and souvenirs.
The economic momentum has spilled across all sectors, powering Siaya into rare commercial vibrancy.
Transport has emerged as one of the biggest winners.
Boda boda operators have enjoyed non-stop business shuttling locals and visitors between the multiple game venues. Public road transport has also improved as demand spikes.
In a historic first, Uber taxi services have officially begun operations in Siaya, driven directly by the KICOSCA tourism wave — a development many locals see as a sign that the county is “finally on the national map.”
Healthcare facilities have also seen increased activity, with some visiting athletes and fans seeking routine medical attention. Cultural exchanges have flourished, with different counties interacting, showcasing traditions, and strengthening national cohesion.
As the competition winds down, Team Nyalore (Siaya) has delivered impressive performances, especially in Scrabble.
Scrabble – Men’s Category
- Siaya Men finished 2nd, just behind Busia.
- Best Siaya player: Willis Ang’awa – 4th overall out of 79 players, a slight dip from his earlier exceptional runs.
- Two Siaya players — Willis Ang’awa and George Okello — qualified for the EALASCA Games, open only to the top 10 players.
- In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, perennial champion Patrick Miriti from Meru was dethroned, falling to 2nd place.
Other men’s team players — Julius Odhiambo, Dr. Bob Awino, and Jacob Ooro — fought valiantly in what was one of the hottest Scrabble tournaments ever, attracting 22 counties.
Scrabble – Ladies Category
- Siaya Ladies finished 2nd, after being dethroned by Nairobi.
- Best performer: Merceline Amuga (Team Captain) – 3rd out of 75 players, securing a coveted EALASCA qualification slot.
- Notable rising star: Sheila Amiso, a debutant from the Department of Education, who impressed throughout the games.
- Strong contributions also came from Caroline Omondi, Diana Elsie Awuor, and Esther Amolo.
The success of Siaya’s KICOSCA hosting has been credited to the unwavering support from the Nyalore administration, including:
- Governor James Orengo
- CEC Tourism, Sports and Culture Anjeline Oduor
- Chief Officer Judith Oyugi
- Director of Sports Dr. Sanmac Okoth
- Deputy Director John Ang’awa, who also serves as the National Technical Committee Chairperson
Together, they have delivered what many now call the most economically impactful KICOSCA edition ever.
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