KPA’s Emphatic Start at KECOSO Games Signals Return to Dominance

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) roared into the 44th edition of the Kenya Communications Sports Organization (KECOSO) Games with a commanding performance, securing victories in netball, pool, and snooker on the opening day in Embu.

This triple triumph at Embu University and Nyeri not only showcased KPA’s sporting prowess but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the Dockers are here to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of the competition.

With a blend of precision, teamwork, and individual brilliance, KPA’s athletes laid down a marker for what promises to be a thrilling week-long festival of sport, one that underscores the enduring value of camaraderie, discipline, and excellence in Kenya’s public sector.

The KECOSO Games, a tradition stretching back to 1978, have long served as a platform for Kenya’s state agencies to foster unity and promote physical and mental well-being through sport.

This year’s edition, hosted in Embu, brings together ten formidable teams, including the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and others, competing across disciplines like netball, pool, snooker, athletics, and more.

For KPA, a team with a storied history in the Games—having clinched the overall title in 2019 with 157 points—the opening day’s results were a powerful statement of intent. Their performances across three sports on Saturday were not just wins; they were a display of strategic dominance and a reminder of their pedigree.

In netball, KPA’s women set the tone at Embu University with a resounding 61–12 victory over KAA. Under the guidance of Coach Eunice Wasike, the team executed a masterclass in both attack and defense. From the opening whistle, KPA’s high-pressing game forced KAA into early turnovers, disrupting their rhythm and leaving them scrambling.

The Dockers’ ball movement was a thing of beauty—fluid, precise, and relentless—while their defensive unit stood like an impenetrable fortress.

At the heart of this rout was Miriam Wamani, whose composure in the circle and deadly accuracy saw her rack up 38 points, earning her the mantle of the match’s standout scorer.

This was not just a win; it was a demolition, one that reverberated across the Games’ venues and boosted KPA’s confidence as they aim to reassert their dominance in a sport they have historically excelled in.

On the same grounds, KPA’s pool team added to the Authority’s growing tally with a commanding 17–8 win over the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

This was a team effort through and through, with every player contributing to a steady, frame-by-frame dismantling of their opponents. Yet, it was Evans Wandatti who stole the spotlight, pocketing five points with a display of cool-headed consistency under pressure.

His performance anchored KPA’s strategy, allowing them to widen the gap as the match progressed. Wandatti’s emergence as the best player of the match was a testament to the depth of talent within KPA’s ranks, a depth that will be crucial as the competition intensifies over the week.

Meanwhile, in Nyeri, KPA’s snooker team ensured the winning momentum was not confined to Embu.

Facing the Communications Authority (CA), the Dockers delivered a flawless 3–0 sweep, showcasing technical skill and unshakable composure.

The straight-frames victory was a display of precision and focus, qualities that have long defined KPA’s approach to the indoor games at KECOSO.

This clean win underscored the team’s versatility, proving that their dominance extends beyond the high-energy courts of netball to the cerebral tables of snooker.

These opening victories are more than just points on a leaderboard; they are a reflection of KPA’s meticulous preparation and unyielding spirit.

The Dockers have a rich history in KECOSO, with back-to-back overall titles in 2018 and 2019, amassing 139 and 157 points, respectively.

Their success has been built on a foundation of teamwork, strategic coaching, and a culture of excellence that permeates their sporting endeavors.

This year, as they compete against strong contenders like KCAA, who claimed the overall title in 2022, KPA’s early dominance suggests they are ready to reclaim the coveted Mawasiliano Shield.

Beyond the scoreboard, KPA’s performance at KECOSO carries broader significance. The Games are not merely about athletic achievement; they are a celebration of unity and collaboration among Kenya’s public institutions.

As KECOSO Secretary General Omole Asiko noted during the 2019 edition, the event fosters meaningful relationships and promotes the mental and physical health of participants.

For KPA, a parastatal tasked with managing Kenya’s vital port infrastructure, excelling in such a platform highlights the organization’s commitment to holistic employee development.

The discipline and teamwork displayed on the netball court, pool table, and snooker arena mirror the qualities that drive KPA’s operational success, from handling cargo at Mombasa Port to navigating the complexities of global trade.

The Embu Games also offer a moment to reflect on the broader role of sports in Kenya’s public sector.

Events like KECOSO provide a rare opportunity for public servants to step away from their desks and boardrooms, forging bonds that transcend institutional boundaries.

The colorful opening ceremony, presided over by Governor Cecily Mbarire, was a testament to this spirit, with thousands of spectators cheering on teams that represent the backbone of Kenya’s infrastructure and communications sectors.

For KPA, their emphatic start is not just about securing medals but about inspiring their peers and reinforcing the value of sports as a tool for unity and resilience.

As the week progresses, KPA will face sterner tests. Teams like PCK, who have shown prowess in netball and basketball in past editions, and KCAA, with their strong athletics pedigree, will be keen to challenge the Dockers’ early lead. Yet, if Saturday’s performance is any indication, KPA is well-equipped to handle the pressure.

Their blend of individual brilliance—exemplified by Wamani and Wandatti—and cohesive teamwork positions them as frontrunners in multiple disciplines. The netball team’s clinical attack, the pool team’s steady execution, and the snooker squad’s technical mastery suggest a squad firing on all cylinders.

In a country where sports often serve as a unifying force, KPA’s strong start at the KECOSO Games is a reminder of what can be achieved when talent, preparation, and passion converge.

As the Dockers continue their campaign, they carry not only the hopes of their organization but also the spirit of a nation that values excellence, teamwork, and the joy of competition.

Whether they reclaim the overall title or not, KPA’s opening salvo in Embu has already set the tone for a memorable KECOSO 2025, one that will be remembered for its intensity, camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of the Kenya Ports Authority.

The author is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.