- MoE will soon deploy the KIEMS biometric system to verify the identity and eligibility of learners competing in national school games, aiming to curb age cheating.
- PS Ololtuaa has directed schools to keep accurate learner records and has warned against manipulating class placements to extend sporting eligibility.
- KCB Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to awarding annual scholarships to talented but financially disadvantaged learners as part of its sponsorship of the games.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is set to roll out biometric verification to tackle age cheating and other forms of manipulation in school sports by deploying the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) to confirm the identity and eligibility of learners taking part in national school games.
The move marks one of the most significant efforts yet to restore credibility to competitions that have for years been dogged by allegations of overage students and non-genuine learners being fielded for a competitive edge.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Term Two 2026 National School Games at M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the system would build a central database of learners participating in national school games, making it far easier for officials to verify the identity and eligibility of every competitor and expose those who do not meet the requirements.
Ololtuaa directed all schools to ensure their learner records are complete, accurate and regularly updated. He said the government was determined to close loopholes that have allowed some institutions to manipulate learner records, including keeping students in the same class for prolonged periods purely to extend their eligibility for school sports.
ALSO READ:
All to play for as rugby sevens kicks off today at KSSSA National Games in Thika
The Ministry, he added, has developed a framework specifically to tackle overage participation and enforce strict compliance with the rules governing school competitions, meaning schools will now face closer scrutiny over the age, identity and academic status of their athletes.
Ololtuaa cautioned that school sports must never become a contest where institutions chase victory at all costs by bending the rules or compromising learners’ education, stressing that the core purpose of school games is to identify and nurture talent, build character and support the holistic development of young people.
“Sports and academics must go hand in hand,” he said, urging learners to stay disciplined and focused on their studies even as they pursue sporting excellence. He added that the government remained committed to investing in school sports and had put in place adequate funding and logistical arrangements to ensure the 2026 competitions run smoothly.
ALSO READ: Defending champions Kwanthanze suffer opening-day upset at KSSSA volleyball championships
The crackdown comes at a time when sports have become an increasingly important pathway to scholarships, professional careers and employment for young Kenyans, with success on the field opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. Officials and stakeholders at the event were united in stressing that such opportunities must be earned through fair competition rather than manipulation.
With biometric verification now on the horizon, schools are expected to come under greater pressure to maintain accurate learner records and comply fully with eligibility requirements. The Ministry says the new system is designed to return school games to their core purpose: giving genuine learners a level playing field on which to compete, discover their abilities and build the discipline and character needed beyond the classroom.
By Felix Wanderi
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
