Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term One games get underway in Kisumu on Tuesday, with top school teams battling for national titles and qualification slots to the FEASSA Championships.
The week-long event, sponsored by Brookside Dairies to the tune of Sh30 million, will run from April 5 to 12 and brings together top secondary schools from across the country. The top three teams in each discipline will qualify for the regional championships set for August 12–23 in Morogoro.
Competitions will span hockey, handball, 5×5 basketball, rugby 15s, athletics, cross-country, swimming, decathlon and heptathlon, with girls’ rugby 15s featuring as a demonstration sport.
Opening and closing ceremonies will be staged at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, which will also host rugby matches, while other venues include Kisumu Day, Kisumu National Polytechnic and Aga Khan Primary School.
In rugby 15s, a new champion is assured after holders Vihiga Boys failed to qualify from the regional stage. Traditional heavyweights St Mary’s School Yala, Mang’u High, Bungoma High, Upper Hill and All Saints Embu are among teams eyeing the crown.
Kisii School, the reigning FEASSA champions, return for a fourth consecutive appearance at the nationals after finishing runners-up last year. Coach George Morara believes his side is primed for a breakthrough.
“The national trophy is the only one missing. We have been here before, learned our lessons and I believe this is our year,” said Morara.
All Saints Embu, who finished third last year, are also confident of reclaiming their title. Coach Benson Mwenda said squad continuity gives them an edge.
“We didn’t lose many players from last season. We have prepared well and we want to reclaim our title,” he noted.
Pool A pits Yala against Kwale High, All Saints and Upper Hill, while Pool B sees Kisii face Menengai High, Bungoma High and Mang’u High in what promises to be a tightly contested group.
Girls’ rugby 15s continues to gain traction, with coaches calling for its full inclusion in the KSSSA calendar. Sidindi coach Gerald Ochieng urged structured development pathways.
“This will create a clear pathway for the girls to the national team. The game should start from zonals because at the moment some teams only train briefly,” he said.
In hockey, former champions Friends School Kamusinga return after a three-year absence and are targeting a 13th national title. Coach Godfrey Muleyi expressed confidence in his side.
“We have been out for three years but we are back and our target is the ultimate prize,” he said.
The girls’ hockey category is equally competitive, with Nyamira Girls seeking redemption after losing the regional final. Coach Dennis Kigai said his team is ready for the challenge despite being drawn in a tough pool.
Elsewhere, the North-Eastern region teams will be aiming to improve on past performances, having historically struggled to progress beyond the group stage. Regional secretary Abdishukri Mohamed Noor said his teams are heading to Kisumu to compete, not just participate.
In athletics, the spotlight will be on East African champions Faith Onserio and Brian Okoth, who are expected to headline the sprints as Nyanza and Rift Valley renew their rivalry on the track.
With new champions set to emerge in several disciplines and regional bragging rights on the line, the Kisumu games promise a highly competitive and entertaining week of school sports.
