As the Rift Valley Region Secondary Schools Term Two Games kick off in Uasin Gishu today, two outstanding female coaches are worth singling out.
Seela Kuluo, is the basketball coach and principal of Enkare Ngiro Secondary School from Narok County and Norah Chebet, is a Kiswahili teacher and basketball coach of Kimulot Boys High School from Bomet County.
The duo are set to lead their boys’ basketball teams in the regional finals that are male-dominated field.
They are, in fact, the only female coaches guiding boys’ teams at this year’s Rift Valley Region Games 3x3 basketball competition.
Their remarkable journey to the regional stage is the result of not just passion, but deep technical knowledge, commitment to nurturing talent, and breaking stereotypes in school sports.
Both women have taken hands-on roles in developing their teams for competition under a focused approach.
“I personally train the boys on ball handling, defensive positioning, and court vision,” says Seela Kuluo, a Level One certified basketball coach and referee.
She added: “We spend time analysing our mistakes, and working on individual player growth. It’s not just about shouting instructions from the touchline but I’m fully involved in their training routines.”
Under her guidance, Enkare Ngiro stunned Narok Boys High School 11–8 in the county final after a 9–7 semi-final victory over the then reigning champions, Kilgoris Boys.
Kimulot Boys High School basketball coach Norah Chebet.
Photo credit: Jeff Kirui | Nation Media Group
It was their first-ever county basketball title and a proud moment for a school that had long been overshadowed by the big teams in the sports.
“I tell the boys to trust the process. I train them not just to win but to understand the game,” Kuluo admits.
Coaching is a passion for Kuluo who was part of the technical bench of the Narok Boys High School hockey team that won the national title in 2014 and the East African bronze medal that year.
In Bomet, Chebet has transformed Kimulot Boys into a disciplined, tactically aware unit.
They dethroned the mighty Tenwek High School 18–17 in a nail-biting county final at Boito playground, securing a regional spot for the first time.
“I introduced structured training and focused on fast breaks, man-to-man defense, and free throw drills,” said Chebet.
She added: “The boys initially thought training was just about running around with the ball, but now they understand set plays and understanding of the game.”
“Coaching gives me the chance to mould boys into young men, disciplined, confident, and respectful. They now believe that being coached by a woman doesn’t mean you’ll lose but it might just mean you’ll win smarter,” she said.
Titus Kipngetich, who was crowned MVP in Bomet County, credits Chebet for his improvement: “Coach taught me how to read the game. She focuses on details and how to defend without fouling, when to pass, and how to stay calm under pressure. “
Both coaches say they hope their visibility inspires more women to take up coaching roles especially in boys’ sports where female leadership is rare.
“There are many women who love the game and know the game, but they fear stepping into coaching, especially for boys. I want them to know that you can do it and do it well,” said Kuluo.
“We’re not here just to make history but we’re here to make an impact. If one girl somewhere sees me and dares to dream of coaching or leading, then this is bigger than any trophy,” said Chebet.
Kimulot have been placed in Pool “A” together with Ortum Boys from West Pokot and St Joseph’s Boys School, Kitale from Tans Nzoia.
Enkare Ngiro are in Pool “D” with Jomo Kenyatta Secondary School (Nakuru), St Patrick Iten (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Baringo high School (Baringo).
