Kenya’s underperformance at the East African Inter-Parliamentary Games held in Mombasa County last December has been attributed to poor preparations and inadequate training. MPs attending the 2025 Mid-Term retreat in Naivasha voiced their concerns, stating that the lack of proper training led to missed opportunities for medals, despite competing on home soil.
Teso South MP Hon. Mary Emaase emphasized the importance of training, pointing out that many players struggled with fitness during the games due to insufficient preparation. She urged her fellow MPs, especially the younger ones, to actively participate in such sporting events to improve Kenya's future chances.
“Training is everything in sporting activities. Fitness was a major challenge for members during the games due to lack of training,” said Hon. Emaase. She encouraged youthful MPs to engage more in the games, asserting that their involvement is key to overcoming the challenges posed by younger competitors from other countries.
Hon. Steve Mogaka echoed Hon. Emaase’s remarks, urging the organizers of the games to ensure Kenyan teams undergo training camps well in advance of the championships. “We saw teams from Uganda arriving in Mombasa a week earlier for a camp to acclimatize and prepare adequately. This is what is expected from Kenyan teams too so that we can perform better,” he said.
Vihiga County MP Hon. Beatrice Adagala also stressed the need for more exposure through friendly matches. “There is need to organize build-up matches outside the country to expose our players before taking part in the international championship,” she said, adding that such preparation is vital for success at international events like the East African Parliamentary Games.
In response to the concerns raised by MPs, Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula acknowledged that budget constraints had hindered adequate preparations for the Kenyan teams. “Budget cuts made it difficult for Parliament to facilitate training programs and build-up matches,” said Wetang'ula. He, however, assured MPs that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) would address these issues and promised better planning for future competitions.
Speaker Wetang'ula also encouraged early preparations for the next championship, which will take place in Burundi later this year. He took the opportunity to congratulate Kenyan teams and individuals who managed to secure medals, noting the country’s achievements in sports such as men’s walking race, darts, and basketball, where Kenya earned silver medals, as well as bronze in volleyball, netball, and other categories.
While Kenya managed to clinch several medals, Uganda emerged as the overall winner, dominating events such as football, netball, basketball, and athletics. The Ugandan team also claimed victories in tug of war and golf, leaving Kenyan teams with much to reflect on ahead of future competitions.
