A fresh debate is unfolding in the country’s education and sports sectors after reports emerged that video assistant referee (VAR) technology could be introduced in school games beginning next year.
It is reported that the education stakeholders and sports officials are split over the proposal, which is said to be part of a broader plan to professionalize school competitions and improve fairness in officiating.
However, supporters of the plan argue that the use of VAR will enhance transparency and help referees make accurate calls in crucial moments such as goals, penalties and offside decisions.
“We have seen too many disputes in school tournaments. VAR could bring fairness and also teach our students about modern sports technology,” said a senior official in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA), who requested anonymity because discussions are still ongoing.
Others, however, believe the technology may be too expensive and impractical for schools.
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“Installing cameras, screens and hiring trained VAR officials is not cheap. Most schools can barely afford basic sports kits,” said one of county school sports from Rift Valley region.
Sports analysts say if the plan is adopted, Kenya would become one of the first African countries to roll out VAR at school level.
They advise that any pilot programme should begin with national finals rather than all zonal or county games to avoid overstretching school budgets.
Proponents of the plan argue that VAR will usher in a new era of transparency and professionalism in school sports. They say the technology, already in use in major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup , the English Premier League and AFCON, could help young athletes and referees adapt to global standards from an early age.
“Introducing VAR at school level would be a landmark move for Kenya. It would reduce conflict, improve decision-making, and also provide learning material when students review footage after matches,” said one of the Nairobi-based sports analysts.
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The discussion comes at a time when violence has erupted at several school games after fans disagreed with referees and schools taking one another for petition tribunals to settle the disputes.
The KSSSA is reportedly considering piloting the system during national finals before rolling it out to county and regional competitions.
This would allow officials to assess costs, logistics and training needs before scaling up.
The Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but sources indicate consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Sports and various county sports associations.
By Our Reporter
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