The 2026 Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One Games got underway in thrilling fashion, with day one producing a series of standout performances across hockey, rugby, handball, and basketball disciplines.
In boys’ hockey, Rift Valley champions St. Anthony’s Boys High School began their campaign on a winning note, edging out Kisumu Day High School 1-0 in a tightly contested match. The solitary goal, scored after sustained pressure, proved enough to hand St. Anthony’s maximum points as they displayed defensive discipline to hold off their opponents.
Attention in rugby was drawn to St. Mary’s School, Yala, who registered a hard-fought 10-08 victory over All Saints Embu School, the 2024 national and East Africa champions. The narrow win signalled Yala’s intent to reclaim national glory, a title they last won in 2003 after defeating Nairobi School. With defending champions Vihiga Boys High School absent, Yala are widely viewed as strong contenders.
In girls’ rugby fifteens, Kinale Girls High School made a bold statement with a commanding 22-0 victory over St. Joseph’s Kitale Girls.
Kinale dominated both ends of the field, showcasing attacking precision and a solid defence to secure a comprehensive win.
Handball action also delivered decisive results, with Moi Girls Kamusinga beating Nyakach Girls High School 27-18 in the girls’ category. In the boys’ contest, Musingu High School produced one of the most dominant displays of the day, thrashing St. Mary’s School, Yala 46-26.
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Basketball girls’ matches were equally competitive, with Kaya Tiwi Secondary School securing a 48-39 win over Ikutha Girls Secondary School. Barchando Girls High School also impressed, defeating Loreto Girls High School 49-32 in another entertaining encounter.
With day one setting a high standard, the championships promise more intense competition as schools across the country continue their quest for national honours.
Day 1 Results – 2026 KSSSA National Championships
| Sport | Category | Team A | Score | Team B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hockey | Boys | St. Anthony Boys Kitale | 1 – 0 | Kisumu Day High School |
| Rugby (15s) | Boys | St. Mary’s Yala | 10 – 8 | All Saints Embu |
| Rugby (15s) | Boys | Upper Hill School | 26 – 0 | Kwale High School |
| Rugby (15s) | Boys | Menengai High School | 46 – 5 | Mang’u High School |
| Rugby (15s) | Girls | Kinale Girls High School | 22 – 0 | St. Joseph Girls (Kitale) |
| Basketball | Boys | Lukenya High School | 62 – 42 | Dr. Aggrey High School |
| Basketball | Girls | Kaya Tiwi Secondary School | 48 – 39 | Ikutha Girls Secondary School |
| Basketball | Girls | Barchando Girls High School | 49 – 32 | Loreto Girls High School |
| Handball | Boys | St. Austin Matuu Day | 23 – 18 | Highway Secondary School |
| Handball | Boys | Hadenge High School | 47 – 30 | North Eastern |
| Handball | Girls | Moi Girls Kamusinga | 27 – 18 | Nyakach Girls High School |
| Handball | Boys | Musingu High School | 46 – 26 | St. Mary’s Yala |
Compiled by Godfrey Wamalwa and Philip Koech
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