Brookside splashes Sh30m for Term One nationals

Milk processor Brookside Dairy has heightened excitement for the upcoming Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One National Games by committing Sh30 million in sponsorship.

The annual championships, set to take place from April 8-12 in Mombasa, will bring together over 3,000 participants from across the country. Referee clinics will be conducted from April 5-7 ahead of the annual championships.

Girls will be accommodated at Mama Ngina Girls High School, while boys will reside at Shimo la Tewa Boys.

Shanzu Teachers College will host hockey, handball, and athletics, with basketball, handball, and rugby 15 set for Shimo la Tewa Boys. Swimming competitions will be held at Aga Khan Academy.

Brookside Dairy’s Corporate Communications Manager, Wilson Okong’o, on Wednesday highlighted the breakdown of the sponsorship during the launch of the games in Nairobi, presided over by Nelson Sifuna,  Director of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities in the Ministry of Education. 

“From the total sponsorship, Sh21.5 million is direct support to KSSSA for kitting all players, provision of trophies, and certificates. The balance will be used to finance other logistics of the games, such as venue branding,” said Okong’o.

For over two decades, Brookside Dairy has been a key partner in secondary school games.

“We take pride in identifying with an event that serves to bring out and nurture the sporting prowess of our youth, even as we seek to mainstream a healthy lifestyle, such as the consumption of quality milk, as a prerequisite to excellence in sports,” Okong’o explained.

He emphasised the benefits of sports participation, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and social skills, while also fostering essential life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.

“Since 2003, when we first partnered with the Ministry of Education through the KSSSA, the Brookside Term One Games have undergone tremendous growth, with a considerable and visible impact not only on the persona of the participants but also on our national sporting fabric,” he added.

As part of the sponsorship, Brookside Dairy will provide each participant with two pairs of playing kits.

Okong’o underscored the company’s commitment to ensuring equity among participants, regardless of their institutions.

“With our investment, we are confident that the Brookside Term 1 Games will continue to provide a perfect launching pad for careers in sports by harnessing the talent of students in various disciplines,” he said.

Sifuna, representing the Ministry of Education, expressed gratitude for Brookside Dairy’s unwavering support.

“Your generous sponsorship, which includes kitting players across various sporting disciplines, will go a long way in enhancing participation, boosting morale, and fostering excellence in school sports,” he said.

He further highlighted the critical role of sports in shaping students' character, discipline, and teamwork.

“Beyond the physical benefits, participation in sports instills important life skills such as resilience, leadership, and perseverance—qualities essential for success in both academics and future careers. Through this partnership, we are not only equipping our students with the right sportswear but also empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and pride,” Sifuna added.

KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi noted that the games offer an excellent platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, with scouts expected to attend in large numbers.

The winners will earn the opportunity to represent Kenya at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) Games, scheduled to take place in Eldoret in August.