It is a dream come true for Kisumu All Stars having secured their elevation to the Kenya’s Sportpesa Premier League come next season following a victorious defeat over Thika United on Sunday the 9th of June at Thika Stadium, Kiambu County.
The Blue Eagles led by Coach Frank Oduor finished second with 80 points in the National Super League table, just one point behind the leading team Wazito FC after thrashing the relegated Thika United 7: 1.
The team came close to scoring in the second minute by Erick Otieno, and Ian Motanda netting hat rick together with Moses Odhiambo and Alvin Ochieng also scoring.
The promotion represents the bigger prize, as well a worthy reward for the Blue Eagles and Kisumu County as a whole for having another second home team after the 2010 relegated original Kisumu all stars participating in the high and competitive Premier League alongside their counterparts Western Stima.
All Stars will be participants of the Sportpesa league with the likes of the top league Champions Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks, setting another record by putting Kisumu County in the football limelight.
Following their (Blue Eagles) glory to the top league football, County government which offers financial support to the team, and their sponsors (Royal Dental Clinic) will now focus to build up a more promising Allstars club that they believe will dominate the premier league.
By Vello Wendo
Kisumu Allstars celebrates their win against Thika United (GPU)
Kisumu County hosted a corporate engagement forum on domestic travel organized by the Kenya Tourism Board (magical Kenya) in conjunction with County government and the members of the Western Kenya circuit at the Jambo Impala Ecolodge.
The forum which was officially opened by the Kisumu County minister for tourism and the chair of the 47 County Ministers in charge of tourism, Achie Ojany – Alai, brought together stakeholders from the tourism industry as well as corporate officials from the non-tourism sector with the aim of sharing information and exploring tourism opportunities as a way of revitalizing domestic tourism in Kenya, under the theme Work, Travel, Save and Repeat.
In her remarks, the County Minister challenged the corporate fraternity to take time off work to engage in domestic tourism as a way to refresh revitalize and stimulate. Hon Achie urged the players to think of making a memorable experience to the tourists.
“My main plan is to market Kisumu and the Western Kenya Circuit to the tourism national grid,” said Hon. Achie.
The County minister also mentioned the upcoming Africities as an opportunity where Kisumu residents and its neighbours can explore by providing accommodation and entertainment in their homes.
Speaking on behalf of the board, the representatives emphasized on the vision and mission of the board adding that their mandate is to market Kenya’s diverse experiences.
The general concern was that there is need to connect Western Kenya to the national grid in matters tourism, a call that was echoed by every speaker at the forum.
The board also assured the forum of combing the Western Kenya circuit by exploring medical, sports as well as domestic tourism in the region.
The forum was attended by members of the Business Community, Doctors, civil servants, Tour Guide operators from the Western Kenya circuit, Kenya Wildlife Service and representatives of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers.
By Matilda Atieno
County minister for tourism and the chair of the 47 County Ministers in charge of tourism, Achie Ojany – Alai, speaking during the corporate engagement forum on domestic travels at the Jambo Impala Ecolodge ( Photo by Jacob Owiti)
CS Devolution and ASAL, Hon. Eugine Wamalwa giving a speech during the launch of preparations for Africities Summit 2021 at Ciala Resort in Kisumu