Parliament seeks media collaboration for coverage of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EACI-PG)

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬,
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

The Parliament of Kenya today hosted the Sports Media Fraternity for a brunch to seek their collaboration for the upcoming 14th Edition of East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EACI-PG), themed 𝑬𝑨𝑪 @25: 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓-𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔.

Speaking during a soft-launch of the games scheduled to take place in Mombasa County from 6th-18th December, 2024, the National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula called on the Members to use the opportunity to fast-track the East Africa protocol on free movement of people and goods across East Africa countries.

According to the Speaker, the Members should not just go for the games for trophies, but should also aim at fostering integration and unity of the people living across the EAC.

“The games will be officially opened by His Excellency the President of Kenya on 7th December.I want to urge all of us to use this opportunity to promote local tourism and make the people of Coastal region appreciate being part of the big family of Kenya,” the Speaker said.

At the same time, the Speaker implored on the sports editors who were present during the launch to use the opportunity to brand Kenya and put it high on the map.

The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon.Kipchumba Murkomen, assured the games organizers; Bunge Sports Club, that his Ministry would lend all the necessary support needed for the success of the upcoming games.

CS Murkomen stated that the games provide an opportunity for the elected Members to unwind and mend broken relations which he says occur in the execution of their duties and due to different political stands.

“Leadership can be very demanding and stressful. It is through sports that friction created by competition in Parliament can be toned down,” CS Murkomen noted.

Hon. Vincent Kawaya (Mwala) who Co-chairs the Sports Bunge Club also called for collaboration with various media stations for the event coverage through live-streaming, news coverage, publication, interviews and videos.

“I kindly request for your cooperation in ensuring the success of the 14th Edition of EAC-IPG tournament. We count on you to provide timely, accurate and engaging coverage as we look forward to sharing the spirit of this event to citizens of the EAC,” Hon. Kawaya said.

KBC’s Sports Editor Ms. Ellyna Shiveka who spoke on behalf of other media stations, assured Parliament of media support during the event, “Parliament has been our biggest supporter so we will also support you”.

The Games which are being held in Kenya again since 2016, will see Members participate in eight disciplines: football, netball, volleyball, golf, tug of war, basketball, athletics and PWD darts.

The National Legislatures of Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA), Uganda and the host Kenya, have all confirmed their participation.