National schools games format set to change as focus shifts to East African show

Ministry of Education wants to revolutionise the Kenya Secondary School Games sporting landscape by consolidating all events into a unified Olympic-kind of championship.

Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) director, Nelson Sifuna, said they are working to change the school games set up into an Olympic-kind of championship.

In essence, this means all activities will be combined and competed within a term,” Sifuna stated. "The Ministry of Education is committed to supporting sporting activities in the country," he noted. 

He further stated that they are working on reorganising the current sports structure to ensure they tap into young talents.

“We are also working on reorganising the current regional structure to create new sporting structures that will allow every learner to develop their talents to the next level,” he added.

Commenting on the just concluded National Term One Games, Sifuna lauded the students for an exceptional display in this year's event.

“Over the last six days, we have witnessed not just feats of physical prowess but also displays of determination, resilience and sportsmanship,” he stated.

KSSSA chairman Kipchumba Maiyo also lauded the students for putting up a great show in this year's national finals.

He said all the top three teams and players (in both athletics and swimming) at the just concluded games will represent the country at the upcoming East African Games slated for August 14-25 in Uganda.

“Every team put their best foot forward in this year’s national games. Champions have been dethroned and new ones born. When you go home make sure to train hard,” Maiyo stated.

He further predicted great performance from Kenya teams during the East African School Games.

“For the past two years, we have been beaten by Uganda. This time around, we want to go to the games and come out victorious.”

Amidst the euphoria, accolades poured in for Brookside's unwavering support, with a staggering sponsorship of Sh30 million propelling the games to unprecedented heights.

Maiyo praised Brookside's commitment to fostering young talent, citing Mirundiko Girls' remarkable debut in handball as a testament to their impactful investment.

“We were really yearning for the return of Brookside as our sponsor. The kids have been treated well and they have been lively due to the sponsorship. Brookside has helped a lot in nurturing and scouting young talents across the country,” he added.

"One such example is Mirundiko Girls’ who placed third in handball. Mirundiko, who were making their debut at the nationals, booked a ticket to the East African Games.

Mirundiko Girls' coach, Abel Kibet, hailed Brookside's initiative, emphasising the pivotal role it played in catapulting his team to success. "With Brookside's backing, we're not just competing; we're conquering," Kibet exclaimed.

 Kibet confidently stated that the team would be unstoppable at the East African games and their target is to win the crown. 

Brookside marketing manager, Reza Chabokro, noted that their sponsorship for this year’s games and subsequent years is meant to set a platform for talented players to showcase their skills.

“Brookside is building the next crop of talented athletes. We invested Sh150 million in the event for the next five years to nature talent and give the kids a platform to display their talents,” Chabokro stated.

He further commended the level and passion displayed by the various schools, citing it as one of the best he has seen.

“This is my first year attending the finals and it has been unbelievable. The level of competition has been high. The passion and energy in the Kenyan schools is higher than in any other country,” he added.

As the spotlight shifts to the East African Games, anticipation swells as Kenya prepares to challenge Uganda's hegemony. All Saints Embu, fueled by a burning desire for redemption, have set their sights on rugby glory, undeterred by past setbacks. 

“We are going for the rugby crown in Uganda. We have three months to train. By the time the games get underway, we shall be ready,” the tactician stated.

The Embu-based school finished fourth at the games with Uganda’s St Mary’s Kisubi taking the title at the games played in Huye, Rwanda last year.

Mwenda, however, noted that the reason for Uganda’s win was due to the age difference between their players and Kenyan players.

“Going to Rwanda last year, we got a lot of experience. Ugandans were our toughest opponents because they were older. Their students go to Form Five and Six as compared to ours,” Mwenda stated.

Dr Aggrey clinched the boys’ basketball title on their maiden appearance in this year’s national games.

Coastal Regions Dr Aggrey believes this is just the beginning of their journey as they look to leave a mark at the East Africa Games.

“We are ready for the East African games. The boys are more than determined. We will no doubt claim the title just like we did here in Machakos,” Dr Aggrey’s coach, Robert Aran stated.

The boys' hockey champions Musingu hope for a podium finish in Uganda but remain weary of the threat posed by the hosts.

SCHOOLS FOR THE EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL GAMES

Rugby 15s

1. All Saints Embu- Eastern Region

2. Butula Boys- Western Region

3. Kitondo-Eastern Region

Basketball Girls

1. Butere Girls- Western Region 

2. Buruburu Girls- Nairobi Region

3. Kaya Tiwi- Coast Region

Basketball Boys

1. Dr. Aggrey- Coast Region

2. Agoro Sare- Nyanza Region

3. Laiser Hill- Rift Valley Region

Handball Boys

1. Kimilili Boys- Western Region

2. Hospital Hill- Nairobi Region

3. Saniak Boys- Rift Valley Region

Handball Girls

1. Moi Girls Kamusinga- Western Region

2. Kwanthanze Girls- Eastern Region

3. Murinduko Sec- Rift Valley Region

Hockey Boys

1. Musingu Boys- Western Region

2. St. Anthony's Boys Kitale- Rift Valley Region

3. St. Charles Lwanga- Coast Region

Hockey Girls

1. Tigoi Girls- Western Region

2. Nyamira Girls- Nyanza Region

3. St. Joseph's Girls Kitale- Rift Valley Region