President William Ruto has acknowledged the significance of sports to the economy of the country.
Ruto on Saturday officially opened the 14th edition of the East African Community (EAC) inter-parliamentary sports games.
The games, being staged in Mombasa, started on Friday, December 6 and will continue until December 18.
The President said that sports play a huge role in the community and economic development.
“Events such as these bring significant opportunities to host cities like Mombasa, showcasing their vibrancy and potential while stimulating local economies. Beyond competition, they foster friendships, inspire collaboration and create platforms for exchanging ideas that benefit our communities across the region,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the games echo Kenya’s belief in harnessing diversity and transforming it into a collective power.
He said that sports serve as a vivid reminder of the choices Kenya has made by channeling the differences constructively to enrich the collective experience.
“This year’s games remind us of the values we must continually reaffirm and embrace: resilience, teamwork, unity, dynamism, fair play, and positive competition,” Ruto said.
“These same principles are central to our efforts to strengthen regional integration. Through initiatives to harmonise policies, expand infrastructure networks, and enhance cross-border trade, we are building a more competitive and inclusive East Africa.”
Ruto said that under his chairmanship at the EAC, he will prioritise swift and decisive actions to remove trade barriers, expand regional markets, and enhance connectivity, to unlock immense opportunities.
“Just as a team must work in harmony to achieve victory, we as leaders and nations must also align our efforts to realise the full potential of the East African Community (EAC).”
He called on the participants to draw inspiration from the positive dynamics that drive sporting success and strive to emulate the principles and values necessary for achieving the regional objectives and fulfilling their mandate as leaders.
The President further stated that the competitive spirit on display at the event reflects the values that underpin the collective vision for a united, prosperous, and peaceful East African Community.
He said the spirit enables participants to seek and build strong and integrated institutions and strategies that break down barriers and promote understanding.
