- Highway Secondary School is the only team that successfully defended its regional title this year
- Former giants such as St Joseph Boys High School, Musingu High School, and Agai Secondary School failed to make it to the nationals after being eliminated at various stages of the competition
The 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national Term Two games will feature a fresh crop of football teams, signalling a shift in the country’s school football landscape as more institutions invest in talent development and sports programmes.
The national finals, scheduled for Thika, Kiambu County, will bring together regional champions from across the country, with several schools making their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament.
Among the newcomers are Tenwek Boys from the Rift Valley, St. Mary’s Yala from Nyanza, Ruthigiti Secondary School from the Central Region, Tumaini School from the Eastern Region, and Takaba Secondary School from the North Eastern Region.
Nairobi Region will be represented by Highway Secondary School, while Kakamega High School and Tononoka Secondary School return to the national stage after years away.
Notably, Highway Secondary School is the only team that successfully defended its regional title this year.
The Nairobi champions retained their crown, securing another trip to the national games and underscoring their consistency and dominance in the region.
The qualification journey was, however, unforgiving for several traditional football powerhouses.
Former giants such as outgoing champions St Joseph Boys High School, Musingu High School, Agai Secondary School, Moi High School, Serani School and Kirangari School failed to make it to the nationals after being eliminated at various stages of the competition, including sub-county, county and regional championships.
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The emergence of new teams and the return of former contenders reflect the growing competitiveness of school football in Kenya. Schools are increasingly investing in coaching, training facilities and structured sports programs, enabling more learners to showcase their abilities on bigger platforms.
Sports analysts say the changing list of qualifiers is evidence that school football is no longer dominated by a handful of institutions.
Instead, talent is being identified and nurtured across the country, creating a wider pool of players for scouts, clubs, and national youth teams.
The return of Kakamega High School and Tononoka adds further intrigue to the championship, as both schools seek to re-establish themselves among Kenya’s elite football institutions.
With experienced teams, returning contenders and ambitious debutants all set to battle for national honours, the 2026 KSSSA National Games in Thika promise thrilling action and a glimpse into the future of Kenyan football.
The tournament will not only crown a national champion but also provide a platform for emerging stars to announce themselves on the national stage.
By Jeff Kurui
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