Rift Valley, Western Dominates Term One KSSSA Games as Attention Turns to Term Two

Rift Valley, Western Dominates Term One KSSSA Games as Attention Turns to Term Two.

Rift Valley Region ascended to the top of the podium as the curtains closed on the Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One National Games, held at Shanzu Teachers Training College and Shimo La Tewa School in Mombasa County. Having finished second in Machakos the previous year, they clinched the overall title this time with 95 points.

Western Region, last year’s champions, closely trailed with 88 points, while Nyanza secured third place once again with 67 points. Nairobi and Coast followed in fourth and fifth with 62 and 58 points, respectively. The remaining positions were taken by Eastern (54), Central (44), and North Eastern, which finished with seven points after the five-day showdown.

Athletics Lead Rift Valley’s Charge

Rift Valley’s remarkable rise was fuelled by its exceptional athletics teams. Their boys and girls both swept the track and field titles, earning 13 and 12 gold medals respectively, and collectively amassing 486 points. Mercy Chepngeno from Lesirwo Secondary School emerged as the Best Female Athlete after her triumphs in the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase, while Daniel Wasike of Rioga Secondary (Nyanza) took Best Male Athlete for dominating the 100m and 200m sprints.

In cross country, the region also excelled. Kevin Kiprop Biwot of Sinonin Secondary School and Mercy Chepkemoi of Tiloa Secondary School were recognized as MVPs following standout performances. Rift Valley topped both cross country categories, with Western and Eastern placing second and third in the boys’ event, while Western and Nyanza took second and third in the girls’ rankings.

Western’s Commanding Presence in Team Sports

Western Region remained formidable in team events. Musingu Boys and Tigoi Girls retained their hockey crowns, while Moi Girls Kamusinga and St Luke’s Kimilili Boys upheld their dominance in handball. In girls’ basketball, Butere Girls made history by clinching their third consecutive title.

Vihiga Boys, representing Western, dethroned All Saints Embu in rugby 15s, with Alvin Shikanga earning MVP honours. They had previously won the East African rugby sevens title and were also national silver medallists. In the hockey finals, Musingu and Tigoi sealed their third and second straight titles, respectively. St Anthony’s Kelvin Onyango (Rift Valley) and St John’s Monica Kwekwe (Coast) were named MVPs.

Rift Valley Edges Basketball Thriller

Rift Valley’s final push came in the boys’ basketball final. Laiser Hill Academy from Kajiado County edged out defending champions Dr Aggrey High School of Coast Region with a narrow 71–69 victory. This marked Laiser Hill’s record 10th national title, improving on last year’s third-place finish. Despite the defeat, Dr Aggrey’s Jacob Kayika was declared tournament MVP for his consistent performance and leadership.

Butere Girls continued to shine in girls’ basketball, overpowering Kaya Tiwi of Coast Region to secure their third straight national win. Their star player, Mary Amimo, was also named MVP.

Nairobi and Coast Shine in Swimming

Nairobi took the lead in the girls’ swimming category, thanks to Light Academy’s Macrine Kalombo, who won the MVP title with 21 points. In the boys’ category, Coast Region emerged victorious, though Nairobi’s Curtis Kamotho from Strathmore School took the MVP honours.

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Upholding Fair Play Through Technology

This year saw the successful rollout of the KSSSA Sports Management Information System Portal (KEMIS), a digital platform used to verify players’ eligibility. Several players were disqualified, demonstrating the tool’s effectiveness. KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi emphasized that the new system had helped ensure fair play and restored credibility to the championships. He stated that the event had been successful and competitive due to a level playing field, affirming that the games are meant solely for students and should remain so.

Brookside Dairy, the event’s title sponsor contributing Sh30 million, commended the high level of competition. Wilson Okong’o, the company’s Corporate Communications Manager, remarked that the tournament had likely been one of the most intensely contested in recent years and noted the presence of talent scouts impressed by the performances.

With Term One events concluded, the spotlight now moves to Term Two competitions. These will feature football, rugby sevens, volleyball, netball, basketball 3×3, and racquet sports, setting the stage for more thrilling school-level action.

Rift Valley, Western Dominates Term One KSSSA Games as Attention Turns to Term Two.

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