Nyandarua County has taken a significant step toward strengthening sports in education after school teachers formed a key part of a major football coaching and refereeing training programme aimed at transforming school games and grassroots talent development.
A total of 60 football coaches and 67 referees completed an introductory training course organised by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nyandarua Branch in partnership with the county government under Governor Dr Kiarie Badilisha. The programme brought together participants from Kinangop, Kipipiri, Oljororok, Ndaragwa, and Olkalou sub-counties.
What stands out in this year’s training is the deliberate inclusion of teachers from primary schools, junior secondary schools (JSS) and senior secondary schools, marking a shift toward strengthening football directly within the education system.
Education officials say the move is designed to ensure that football development starts at the school level, where most young talents are first identified. By training teachers as both coaches and referees, schools are expected to benefit from structured training, better-organised competitions, and improved talent nurturing.
Teachers who participated in the programme are now expected to take an active role in guiding school teams, organising inter-school competitions and mentoring learners in both basic and advanced football skills. The approach is also aimed at aligning school sports with national football development pathways.
FKF Nyandarua Branch Chairman Reuben Kaai said involving teachers is a strategic decision to strengthen the foundation of football in the county.
“Teachers are the backbone of school sports. By equipping them with coaching and refereeing skills, we are ensuring that football development is properly anchored in our schools from the lowest level,” said Kaai.
He added that the county has long struggled with limited structured sports development in schools, but the new initiative is expected to change that narrative by creating consistency in training and competition.
Chief Officer for Youths, Sports and Innovation Edward Kigo, who represented Governor Dr. Kiarie Badilisha during the certificate award ceremony, said the programme is part of a wider plan to revive sports in learning institutions.
He noted that schools will play a central role in the upcoming Badilisha Super Cup Season Two, where many of the trained teachers will be instrumental in identifying and nurturing young talent.
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The initiative is expected to enhance football development in primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, creating a clear pathway for learners to progress from school competitions to county and national levels.
By Kithinji Njeru
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