Secondary School games: Focus turns to nationals
Joseck Indimuli (with ball) of Menengai Boys High School from Nakuru County is tackled by Daniel Kiplimo of Longisa Boys High School from Bomet County during their Rugby 15s match at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Rift Valley Region Term One Games at University of Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County on March 13, 2025. Menengai won 50-0.
What you need to know:
- In Eastern Region, national and East Africa rugby 15s champions All Saints High School will lead the region’s onslaught in Mombasa. They thrashed newcomers Marsabit Mixed School 56-0 in a one-sided final at Chuka High School grounds.
The Regional Secondary Schools Term One Games concluded over the weekend, producing thrilling upsets and new champions, as several traditional powerhouses fell short of expectations.
Notably, former champions Nyamira Girls (hockey), Hospital Hill (handball), Buru Buru Girls (basketball), and Saniak Boys (handball) were among the casualties who will miss next month’s national championships in Mombasa.
Seven of the eight regions have now confirmed their representatives for the nationals, set to take place at Shanzu Teachers College and Shimo La Tewa High School from April 7 to 12.
The North Eastern regional games will be held from March 27 to 30 at Sabunley Secondary School and Wajir Girls High School to determine the final set of qualifiers.
In Nairobi Region, only Dagoretti High School (boys' basketball) and Dagoretti Mixed (girls’ handball) successfully defended their titles from last year’s regional winners.
There was a major shake-up as defending champions Buru Buru (girls' basketball), Hospital Hill (boys’ handball), Nairobi School (boys’ hockey), Pangani Girls (girls’ hockey), and Lenana School (rugby 15s) were all dethroned.
One of the most dramatic moments came in boys’ handball, where Highway Secondary School finally clinched their first regional title after four previous failed attempts at the hands of Hospital Hill.
Highway’s assistant coach Fidel Osudo believes his team can replicate their football success and challenge for the national title:
Samwel Muchiri of Nyanchwa Boys (right) dribbles as Samwel Muchiri of Migori Boys (left) pursues him during their basketball match in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Nyanza Region Term One Games on March 13, 2025 in Migori.
“The belief and confidence in the squad is there, and we head to Mombasa not to make up the numbers but to compete and claim the title.”
Highway secured their historic win in a 26-25 extra-time thriller. It wasn’t all gloom for Hospital Hill, as they redeemed themselves by winning the boys' hockey title, defeating Lenana School 4-2 in post-match penalties after a 0-0 draw.
In the girls' hockey final, Mwiki reclaimed their title after overcoming Hillcrest Academy 3-2 in penalties, following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Collins Rotich of Mwangea High School from Taita Taveta scores against Shimba Hills High School from Kwale County during their handball match in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Coast Region Term One Games on March 13, 2025 in Mombasa.
The Nyanza Region Games were a celebration of talent, discipline, and competitive spirit, with both defending champions and new winners securing their spots at the national stage.
Unlike last year’s Term Two Games in Kisii, which were tainted by fan trouble and hooliganism, the just-concluded Migori championships were orderly, exciting, and competitive.
The highlight of the finals was the Rugby 15s showdown between defending champions Kisii High School and St Mary’s Yala (Siaya County).
Brian Kiptoo (right), of Kiptere Secondary School from Kericho County leads the boys' 3,000m race at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Rift Valley Region Term One Games at University of Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County on March 13, 2025.
In a tense encounter witnessed by hundreds of fans, Kisii High edged St. Mary’s 3-0, thanks to a last-minute penalty by Matrix Matangi, who was later named man of the match.
In boys’ basketball, Sawagongo High School (Siaya County) booked their ticket to Mombasa after dethroning defending champions Agoro Sare High School (Homabay County) 58-51 in a closely contested final.
Meanwhile, Asumbi Girls wrote history in girls’ basketball, winning their first-ever regional title with a 48-40 victory over Ng’iya Girls.
Asumbi Girls coach Ibrahim Ochieng’ praised his team’s determination and resilience:
“We have never qualified for the regionals before. In past years, we were always eliminated at the sub-county and county levels. When we made it to the regionals this year, we told our girls to make the most of this opportunity. With hard work and motivation, we have finally done it, and we are going to Mombasa to represent Nyanza.”
In Coast Region, St Charles Lwanga Secondary School successfully defending their boys’ and girls’ hockey titles.
In rugby 15s, Marafa Secondary lost their title after falling 15-13 to Serani Secondary. Dr Aggrey High School and Kaya Tiwi retained their basketball crowns.
In Eastern Region, national and East Africa rugby 15s champions All Saints High School will lead the region’s onslaught in Mombasa. They thrashed newcomers Marsabit Mixed School 56-0 in a one-sided final at Chuka High School grounds. Captain Madior Anjang, was named the tournament’s highest try-scorer.
They will be joined by Lukenya School and Ikutha Girls in basketball, while Matiliku and AIC Nyayo Girls will battle for honours in hockey. Matilku and Kyeni Girls will be the region’s representatives in handball.
Reporting by Brian Yonga, Charles Wanyoro, Wycliffe Nyaberi and Abdulrahman Sheriff