Excitement Builds as East Africa Inter-Parliamentary Games Kick Off in Mombasa

Mombasa, 

Friday, December 6, 2024, 

McCreadie Andias 

The coastal city of Mombasa is buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 East Africa Inter-Parliamentary Games prepare to kick off this Saturday, December 7. 

Teams are already warming up, and fans are streaming into the city for what promises to be an exciting week of competition and camaraderie among East Africa’s political leaders.

The games, which will run until December 18, are a celebration of the East African Community's (EAC) 25-year journey of integration. Parliamentarians from eight EAC member states—Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia—are set to compete in eight thrilling sports disciplines: Football, Volleyball, Golf, Tug of War, Basketball, Netball, Darts, and Athletics.

The stage is set, with the Joint Planning Committee for the games, led by Hon. Vincent Kawaya (Mwala), Co-Chairperson of the Bunge Sports Club, assuring all participants that everything is in place for an unforgettable sports bonanza.

A delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs), led by National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetangu'la, departed Nairobi this morning aboard the Madaraka Express train and are scheduled to arrive in Mombasa this afternoon. Once in the coastal city, they will join their colleagues from the other EAC member states for the opening ceremonies and competitive action.

Before the official opening of the games, the action will begin with a pre-tournament conference on Saturday morning. The teams will parade through Mombasa City, from Treasury Square to Mama Ngina Waterfront, in a vibrant display of unity. The conference will also highlight the significant achievements of the EAC’s integration process and emphasize the role of sports in promoting regional unity and the health benefits of physical activity.

The official launch of the games will be marked by a grand ceremony at Mama Ngina Waterfront, where President William Ruto is expected to kick off the tournament in style. 

The opening ceremony will segue into the first of the much-anticipated football matches, with Team Kenya facing off against the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), setting the tone for the days of intense competition to follow.

The games’ theme, "EAC @25: Celebrating Integration Through Inter-Parliamentary Games," underscores the importance of sports as a tool for fostering unity and friendship among the people and legislators of the region.

The first week of action promises thrilling matchups. In football, Kenya will face Uganda, South Sudan will clash with Tanzania, and Burundi will take on EALA. Volleyball fans can look forward to the men’s match between Kenya and Uganda, while the women’s category will see Burundi go head-to-head with South Sudan.