Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has urged primary school teachers to emphasise sports for their pupils as one of the best ways to foster socialisation.
Speaking to all primary schools in the county and clan elders on Sunday, Arati said his office had provided five balls for each of the 1,102 primary schools to enable pupils to play freely without scribbling, and asked clan elders to assist school heads to keep pupils secure from any outside interference.
Governor Arati’s call lines up with what child development research and practice have shown for years. Sports are not just playtime; they shape a child’s body, mind, and social skills in ways that support growth far beyond the playground. Providing equipment for all schools creates an opportunity for every child to participate.
Regular sports help children build strong muscles, bones, and cardiovascular systems. Activities like football, athletics, and skipping improve coordination, balance, and motor skills.
With childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases rising, daily physical activity reduces health risks and sets habits that last into adulthood.
Beyond the physical, sports force children to work with others, follow rules, and handle both winning and losing. A child learns to communicate, cooperate, take turns, and respect teammates and opponents, which is especially important in a county with diverse clans where shared games create common ground.
Consistent training in sports, said Arati, also supports mental and emotional growth. Play and sport release endorphins, which reduce stress and anxiety, and they help children develop resilience, self-discipline, and confidence.
READ ALSO: Why children remember presence more than perfect parenting experiences
Through games, pupils learn to set goals, manage frustration, and bounce back after mistakes. For children dealing with pressure at home or school, sports offer a safe outlet and a way to channel energy positively.
Research also links physical activity to better concentration, memory, and academic performance because sports require quick decision-making, strategic thinking, and focus.
By Enock Okongó
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
