Calls for a strengthened regional bloc dominated a day of celebration, energy and sportsmanship as the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Sports Tournament kicked off in style in Mombasa.

 The official launch held at the Mama Ngina Waterfront was marked by pomp and colour with President William Ruto leading the charge to promote regional unity through sports.

The launch brought together legislators from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and hosts Kenya.

The parade of friendship and regional pride set the stage for the 14th edition of the games, which will run until December 18.

President Ruto delivered a rousing keynote address during the official opening, emphasizing the importance of deepening ties within the EAC.

 His message was clear; sports can be a powerful tool to drive regional integration and cooperation.

“Let us deepen, widen, tighten and strengthen the bonds of friendship among the people of the East African Community,” declared President Ruto.

“The success of one is the success of all. Let us encourage positive competition. If African trade is going to be a reality, what we do here as EAC must inspire the African Union.”

 President Ruto also made a commitment to the EAC, pledging to champion policies that will unlock the region’s economic and social potential.

“Under my chairmanship, the EAC will prioritise swift and decisive actions to remove barriers to trade, expand our regional markets and enhance connectivity,” he assured.

“This tournament is just a reflection of the unity we aspire to achieve in all aspects of our community.”

President Ruto took the opportunity to rally support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bid for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU).  

He called on member states of the East African Community (EAC) to back Odinga's candidature, citing his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

 Echoing the president’s sentiments, National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula highlighted the significance of the tournament in fostering unity among East African nations.

“These games are not about trophies, they are about building friendships and strengthening our bonds as a united community,” asserted Speaker Wetang’ula.

“Even if we don’t win a single medal, the friendships we forge here will be worth more than trophies.”

Speaker Amason Kingi joined the call of support, paying tribute to the visionaries who founded the EAC in 1963.

“We must remember and commend the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Milton Obote for planting the seeds of this dream,” Kingi said.

 “It is our duty as leaders and citizens to ensure their dream of unity becomes a reality.”

The EALA Speaker, Joseph Ntakirutimana lauded Kenya’s Parliament and President Ruto for organizing what he described as an inspiring tournament.

He urged participants to use the games as a platform to promote love, unity and integration.

 “These games are not just about competing but about coming together as one body, one community and one family,” said Ntakirutimana.

 Before the official launch, President Ruto flanked by Speakers from member states, led a spirited 2.3-kilometre procession from Treasury Square to Mama Ngina Waterfront. The colourful march symbolized the unity and enthusiasm that the tournament seeks to foster.

 The host, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir welcomed the participants and expressed pride in the city’s role as the epicentre of EAC sporting activities.

“We are thrilled to host this historic event and showcase the beauty and hospitality of Mombasa,” said Nassir.

 Co-Chair of Bunge Sports Club, MP Vincent Musau Kawaya, echoed Nassir’s sentiments, emphasizing the transformative power of sports in uniting the region.

With the launch now in the rearview mirror, attention shifts to the action-packed calendar of events.

Mombasa is set to become a hive of activity as teams from across the region compete in various disciplines, including football, netball, volleyball, athletics, darts, basketball and tug of war.

 As participants lace up their boots and prepare to hit the courts, the spirit of the tournament is already evident, it’s not just about winning but about coming together as one East African family.

 Reflecting on the journey of the EAC, Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among urged the region to evaluate its progress since the community’s re-establishment 25 years ago.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on our achievements and chart the path forward,” she said.
 
At the same time, Speaker Among and Speaker Wetang’ula took the opportunity to call for the Bureau of Speakers to be officially recognized as an organ of the East African Community.

 Noting the key role played by the Bureau in facilitating the enactment of laws for the implementation of Resolutions of the Heads of State Summit, the two called on President Ruto, EALA Speaker and EAC Secretary-General Hon. Veronica Nduva who was present, to consider the proposal favourably.

 The 14th edition of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Sports Tournament is set to culminate on December 18. With the stakes high and spirits even higher, the games promise to be a true celebration of unity, diversity and the strong East African spirit.