The lakeside city of Kisumu is set to burst into life as the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) term one national games officially kick off tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, at the iconic Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.
The highly anticipated championship has drawn top secondary school teams from across the country, all converging to battle for national honours in rugby, hockey, basketball, handball, athletics and swimming.
The competition promises intense rivalries and high-quality performances, with regional champions ready to prove their dominance on the national stage.
In handball, the girls’ contest is expected to be fiercely fought, with Nairobi’s St Clare’s facing stiff competition from Western’s Butere Girls, Eastern’s Kyeni Girls and Nyanza’s Nyakach. In Pool B, St Joseph Girls from Rift Valley will square it out against Coast’s Mwatate Secondary and Central’s Karai Mixed in what is anticipated to be tightly balanced encounters.
The boys’ handball title race is equally compelling. St Austin’s Matuu, Highway Secondary from Nairobi and Central’s Handege headline Pool A, while Pool B features a blend of experienced sides including Musingu from Western, St Joseph Boys of Rift Valley, St Mary’s Yala from Nyanza and Kenyatta Mwatate representing the Coast.
Hockey enthusiasts will also be treated to thrilling encounters. In the girls’ category, Ngiya Girls from Nyanza headline Pool A alongside Mpesa Academy (Central), Mwiki Girls (Nairobi) and AIC Nyayo (Eastern). Pool B sees Nyamira, St Charles Lwanga, St Joseph Girls (Rift Valley) and Tigoi locking horns in what promises to be an unpredictable race for semifinal slots. In boys’ hockey, traditional powerhouses such as Kisumu Day, Mangu and St Anthony’s Kitale are expected to light up Pool A, while Ringa Boys, Hospital Hill, Friends School Kamusinga and St Charles Lwanga headline Pool B.
Rugby 15s, a crowd favourite, is expected to draw massive attention. St Mary’s Yala, Kwale High, All Saints Embu and Upper Hill form a formidable Pool A lineup, while Pool B features Kisii School, Menengai, Bungoma High and Mangu in a group widely viewed as a battle of giants.
Basketball action will also command attention, with established names such as Laiser Hill, Dagoretti High and Dr Aggrey leading the boys’ charge in Pool A, while Friends School Kamusinga, St Mary’s Yala and Mangu headline Pool B. In the girls’ category, Olympic High School, Butere Girls and St Brigid’s Kiminini will seek early dominance, while Ikutha Girls, Barchando, Kaya Tiwi and Loreto aim to upset the favourites in Pool B.
Beyond the quest for trophies, the national games provide a vital platform for nurturing young talent, promoting unity and strengthening sports development across the country.
READ ALSO: Kisumu ready to host KSSSA Term One school games as St Mary’s Yala flexes for victory
St. Mary’s Yala High School of Nyanza is making a comeback to the national stage, presenting Handball, Basketball, and Rugby 15s teams after a decade-long absence. According to head coach Lee Austin, the teams have worked hard and are expecting to go further this year.
Here are the fixtures for some of the teams competing in the KSSSA National Term One Games in Kisumu:
Rugby 15s:
– St. Mary’s Yala High School vs Kisii School (April 6, 2026, 10:00 am)
– All Saints Embu vs Upper Hill School (April 6, 2026, 12:00 pm)
– Mang’u High School vs Bungoma High School (April 7, 2026, 10:00 am)
Handball:
– St. Mary’s Yala High School vs Musingu High School (April 5, 2026, 2:00 pm)
– Moi Girls Kamusinga vs St Joseph’s Kitale (April 5, 2026, 4:00 pm)
– Highway Secondary vs Kakamega High School (April 6, 2026, 2:00 pm)
Basketball:
– St. Mary’s Yala High School vs Laiser Hill Academy (April 7, 2026, 4:00 pm)
– Dagoretti High School vs Dr Aggrey (April 8, 2026, 10:00 AM)
– Friends School Kamusinga vs Butere Girls (April 8, 2026, 12:00 pm)
The games are scheduled to take place from April 5 to 12, 2026, in Kisumu City.
By our reporter
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