Bungoma County Assembly has retained the overall championship title at the County Assemblies Sports Association Games for the third consecutive year, earning permanent possession of the trophy after emerging top at the 2026 edition held in Kisumu.

 The Assembly secured nine trophies and the overall championship award to finish ahead of hosts Kisumu County Assembly, who collected eight trophies, in the week-long competition that brought together Members of County Assemblies and staff from across the country.

  The victory cemented Bungoma’s dominance in the annual sporting and cultural festival, with its teams delivering impressive performances in athletics, volleyball, netball, tug of war and cultural competitions.

  Bungoma’s women’s volleyball team was among the standout performers, defending its title without losing a match.

Led by nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) Dorcas Ndasaba, the team topped its group before beating Nandi 3-0 in the knockout stages, overcoming Makueni in the semi-final and defeating Trans Nzoia in the final.

 The men’s volleyball team led by Francis Chemion finished second after an impressive run.

The team advanced from the group stages, beat Busia and overcame Makueni 3-1 in the semi-final before losing 3-0 to Elgeyo Marakwet in the final.

The netball team also reached the final but settled for second place after losing to eventual champions Homa Bay.

The team had beaten Trans Nzoia in the round of 16 and Mombasa in the semi-final.

In athletics, Bungoma collected four gold medals through Noah Wanjala in the men’s 100 metres, Ramadhan Fwamba in the men’s 200 metres, Karen Wanyama in the women’s 200 metres and Cameline Ngana in the women’s 400 metres.

Sharon Wotia finished third in the women’s 100 metres, while Philip Liani secured second position in the men’s shot put.

The Assembly also excelled in cultural competitions, winning the borrowed folk song and borrowed cultural dance categories, while finishing second in folk song own-choice.

Its choir placed third in both the own-composition and sacred song own-choice categories.

 The men’s tug-of-war team led by Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa reached the final after winning its group matches and defeating Kisii and Trans Nzoia in the knockout stages.

  The team eventually finished second behind defending champions Nyandarua.

 Bungoma’s football team registered a strong group-stage performance, winning all its matches, including a 4-1 victory over Mombasa.

However, its campaign ended in the round of 16 following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nairobi City County Assembly.

The handball team finished fourth, while indoor games teams including table tennis, pool, scrabble, draughts and ajua recorded mixed fortunes, with several bowing out at the quarter-final stage.

Speaking after the victory, Speaker Emmanuel Situma congratulated the participating MCAs and staff, saying their performances had brought honour to the Assembly and the county.

“Congratulations, Team Bungoma, and congratulations to the entire County Assembly family,” he said.

     County Assembly Clerk Charles Wafula said the third consecutive victory was a testament to the institution’s sporting strength, discipline and unity, noting that the achievement had earned Bungoma permanent possession of the overall championship trophy.

 “As a result, we now keep the overall trophy permanently, a lasting symbol of our dominance and unity,” he said.

Team leader Dr. Leonard Momos attributed the success to commitment, sacrifice, teamwork and passion among participants.

He also commended team captains and individual competitors for their dedication throughout the tournament.

Hosts Kisumu County Assembly finished second overall with eight trophies, while Elgeyo Marakwet, which defeated Bungoma 3-0 in the men’s volleyball final, was among the other notable performers.

The competition also saw Homa Bay claim the women’s netball and football titles, while Nyandarua retained the men’s tug-of-war crown for the fourth consecutive time.

The CASA Games are organised to promote sporting excellence, cultural exchange, teamwork and cooperation among county assemblies.

 By Chris Mahandara