Over 10,000 Attend Mpeketoni School Games, Marking 11-Year Recovery From Terror Attack

Mpeketoni, a town in Lamu County once scarred by the 2014 Al-Shabaab attacks, recently hosted the Coast Secondary School Regional Term Two Games, marking a pivotal moment in its recovery. 

The event, held from 3 to 6 July, is being hailed as a powerful symbol of resilience and a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the town's security and economic viability. Eleven years after the devastating attacks that claimed at least 100 lives and destroyed significant infrastructure, the successful staging of the tournament has breathed new life into Mpeketoni. The games, organised by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), drew over 10,000 participants and spectators from across the six Coast counties, including students, teachers, and sports enthusiasts. 

Governor Issa Timamy, during the inauguration of the games, emphasised the event's significance as "a testament to peace and progress". County Sports Director Peter Ndichu highlighted the tournament's scale and reach, noting the enthusiastic participation of numerous teams and the palpable excitement within the town. Beyond its symbolic importance, the tournament delivered a tangible economic boost to Mpeketoni. 

Local businesses experienced a surge in demand, benefiting accommodation providers, eateries, and transport services alike. Hotels and guest houses reported full occupancy, with some establishments raising rates to accommodate the increased demand. Ms Saamiya Mohamed, proprietor of the Mpeketoni British Guest House and Hotel and a survivor of the 2014 attack, attributed the renewed trust in the town to improved security frameworks and a process of collective healing. 

"The games helped us reconnect, rebuild and regain our identity," she said, highlighting the event's economic vitality.

Other entrepreneurs echoed these sentiments. Mr Francis Waweru, a hotel and restaurant owner, described the tournament period as experiencing "unprecedented customer traffic". Ms Margaret Mugo, who runs a twelve-room guest house, confirmed full bookings throughout the event. Even motorbike taxi operators, such as Mr Geoffrey Kamau from Bahari village, temporarily relocated to Mpeketoni to capitalise on the economic opportunity.

Observers see the games as more than just a sports competition, as they have evolved into a strategic instrument for community restoration and image rehabilitation. County Education Director Zachary Mutuiri praised the strong turnout and seamless organisation, describing the atmosphere as "magnificent". Chief Officer for Tourism, Joyce Murimi, emphasised the broader implications of the games for Lamu County's positioning as a destination not only for sports but also for tourism and investment.