Governor Natembeya Urges Collaboration for Sustainable Development
Governor George Natembeya of Transnzoia County has called for enhanced collaboration between counties to address shared challenges, particularly climate change, while celebrating unity through sports and culture. His remarks were made during the official opening of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games in Mumias, Kakamega County, which brought together county leaders, athletes, and cultural representatives from across the country.
Governor Natembeya, who joined fellow governors including Simba Arati (Kisii), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), and host Governor FCPA Fernandez Baraza (Kakamega), emphasized the significance of this year’s KICOSCA theme: *’Building Synergy on Climate Change through Sports and Culture.’*
“We are living in times where climate change is no longer a distant threat, but an urgent challenge that requires collective action,” Governor Natembeya said. “Through sports and culture, we have a unique opportunity to come together, not only to compete but also to share ideas and solutions that will help us address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development.”
The Governor highlighted that Transnzoia, known for its agricultural strength, is already feeling the impacts of climate change through unpredictable weather patterns and droughts. He stressed the need for counties to work together to develop adaptive strategies and foster resilience through both policy and community-driven initiatives.
“Sports have always been a powerful means of uniting people from diverse backgrounds,” he said. “In the same way, we must unite in addressing the climate crisis, sharing knowledge, resources, and solutions that can help us build a better future for all our people.”
Governor Natembeya also emphasized the importance of nurturing talent through sports, noting that the games not only promote physical fitness but also provide a platform for young people to excel and build careers. He called for increased investment in sports infrastructure and youth programs to harness the potential of young athletes across the country.
As the KICOSCA Games proceed, Governor Natembeya reaffirmed his commitment to supporting both cultural and sporting initiatives within Transnzoia County, promising to collaborate with other counties to ensure that these events continue to grow and bring tangible benefits to communities.
The KICOSCA Games, which are set to run for several days, are expected to foster deeper connections between counties, offering a space for cultural exchange and friendly competition, while driving the agenda for sustainable development in Kenya.