A new Rugby 15s champion will be crowned in the Nairobi Region Secondary Schools Term One Games which end on Saturday at the Buru Buru Girls Secondary School.
On Friday, Nairobi School knocked out defending champions Lenana School 19-7 victory in the semifinals at Ofafa Jericho High School.
Upper Hill also secured their spot in the final after defeating arch-rivals Dagoretti High 19-3, moving one step closer to reclaiming the title they last won in 2018.
Upper Hill are determined to make a return to the national games after missing the last two editions. They lost their regional crown to Dagoretti High in 2019, which eventually led to Kakamega High School winning the national title.
However, Kakamega High has failed to qualify for the national games since the Rugby 15s competition resumed in 2023 following the Covid-19 pandemic break.
In Rift Valley region, Emmanuel Kiprono and Mercy Chepkemoi emerged victorious in the 5,000m finals at the University of Eldoret.
Kiprono, representing Kimuron High School, executed a well-calculated race, staying behind before making a strong surge to cross the finish line in 14:12.8. He outpaced Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country junior champion Kelvin Kiprop, who clocked 14:19.8 to settle for second place.
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.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Kiprop, a Form Four student at Sinonin High School in Baringo, expressed confidence in his performance as he aims for a spot at the national level.
“Apart from the school championships, I want to give it a try at the national level because I believe I have what it takes to tackle the strong field ahead and make the team. The cross-country season shaped me well, and I’m looking forward to a good track session,” said Kiprop.
Kiprop has previously won the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run 8km junior category and the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour.
In the girls’ 5,000m final, Chepkemoi from Tiloa High School in Nakuru County clinched victory in 16:18.3, edging out Joyline Chepkemoi from Cheptonon High School, who finished second in 16:21.2. Deborah Cherotich of Sugutek High School in Kericho County claimed third place in 16:58.2.
In Coast, defending champions Marafa Secondary School from Kilifi made a strong start in their quest rugby 15s title, securing a dominant 23-7 victory over Tononoka at Shimo la Tewa High School grounds in Mombasa.
The emphatic win signaled Marafa’s intent to maintain their dominance in secondary school rugby within the region, positioning them as favorites for another championship run.
Marafa coach Erick Olwenyi Atitwa expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and remained optimistic about successfully defending their title.
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.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
"We're serious in making sure we recapture our title and aiming to once again represent Coast Region in the national games," said Atitwa.
In another rugby match, Tarasaa Secondary, also from Kilifi, delivered an impressive performance, overpowering Mwavumbo Secondary 35-5.
In the girls' hockey competition, defending champions St Charles Lwanga Secondary from Mombasa edged out Matuga Girls High from Kwale 1-0 in a tightly contested match at Shanzu Teachers Training College grounds.
Despite the win, St Charles coach Julius Masero remained cautious about his team’s title defense, opting to assess other competitors before making any predictions.
"We're here to fight to win back our trophy, but we don't want to underestimate our opponents. I want to watch some matches before I talk about our chances to retain our crown," said Masero.
In Nyanza Region, Nyanchwa Boys (Kisii), Sawagongo High (Siaya), and Asumbi Girls' (Homa Bay) secured spots in the basketball semi-finals.
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.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
The three schools advanced after winning their opening two group matches at St Joseph's High School in Rapogi.
Nyanchwa coach Kepher Mogire praised his team for their strong start and emphasized their ambition to claim the championship.
"We have recorded satisfactory results, and I congratulate my boys for that. We have come to win this championship, and we will not relent," said Mogire.
Reports by Brian Yonga, Wycliffe Nyaberi, Abdurahman Sheirff, Titus Ominde and Bernard Rotich
