By BARRY OTIENOIt is all systems go as Kenya braces herself to host the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup at Kakamega, Kisumu and Nakuru, with Machakos and Nairobi being stand-by venues. It is my observation that the regional tournament scheduled to begin on November 25 will not only accord our local players an opportunity to showcase their talent at a higher level, but will also have immense socio-economic impact on Kenya through sustainable benefits generated before, during and after the two-week event. Further, coming hot on the heels of a fiercely-contested presidential election, the tournament will provide the much needed platform to unite Kenyans regardless of their political affiliations and epitomise a national branding opportunity, key in marketing a country that spent a good chunk of the year politicking. That notwithstanding is that as a country, we now also have a chance to gauge and position ourselves as being capable of hosting not only regional but also continental and global tournaments. Perhaps it will be the swaying of minds, the opportunity to unite the country through football and the ability of Harambee Stars to hold its own against other nations, coupled with enhanced partnerships and greater commercial activities and investments undertaken before, during and after the tournament that will be the greatest achievements for Kenya in the tournament.

Source: Daily Nation November 14, 2017 02:15 UTC