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Kakamega County is gearing up for the national schools ball games that officially begin on Tuesday, August 8.

Organisers of the showpiece said yesterday that they were not taking any chances and that they were out to make the competitions memorable.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Western Region General-Secretary Quinto Omusugu said preparations for the nationals were in final stages.

He said schools from across the country which had qualified to represent their respective regions would start trooping into the Western headquarters from Saturday, August 5.

“We expect all the participating teams on Saturday August 5 and Sunday August 6 after which they will train in their various spaces and acquaint themselves with the local environment,” said Omusugu.
He said the referees charged with officiating the various matches would, meanwhile, undergo training from Saturday August 5 to Monday August 7.

“The teams will take a rest on Monday August 7 as we prepare for the official kickoff the following day,” the official said.

The competitions in soccer, volleyball, rugby, handball, tennis, hockey, among others, will be staged at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega High, St. Ignatius Mukumu Boys, St. Peter’s Seminary-Mukumu, Kakamega Approved School and Masinde Muliro University.

The five-day event has kicked up excitement in Kakamega as traders prepare to cash in on the high number of people that will be around.

“This event is very important to our county as it will spur our economy. I therefore assure the organisers of total security. We are a peaceful and hospitable people and I am certain that the participants will enjoy their stay here,” said Governor Fernandes Barasa.

Meanwhile, Cheptenye Primary School in Belgut Sub-County has been hosting the Kericho County Primary Schools Term Two ball games with the action expected to end today.

The two days event attracted schools from six sub counties, Sigowet/Soin, Ainamoi, Kipkelion West, Londiani.