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MoE has been urged to increase funding for sports in Junior schools, with education stakeholders warning that inadequate financing is slowing the growth of school sports and denying learners opportunities to nurture their talents.
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The call was made by KJSSSA Gucha Branch Chairman Edward Gisemba, who said many schools are struggling to sustain sporting activities due to delayed and insufficient capitation for co-curricular programmes.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has been urged to increase funding for sports in Junior schools, with education stakeholders warning that inadequate financing is slowing the growth of school sports and denying learners opportunities to nurture their talents.
Kenya Junior Secondary Schools Sports Association (KJSSSA) Gucha Branch Chairman Edward Gisemba said many schools are struggling to sustain sporting activities due to delayed and insufficient capitation for co-curricular programmes.
Speaking on Thursday, July 2, during the Gucha Sub-County Junior Secondary Schools sports competitions at Tendere Playing Field, Gisemba said schools face challenges in transporting learners to competitions, purchasing sports equipment, and meeting officials’ expenses.
He called on the Ministry of Education to review its funding guidelines and ensure schools receive co-curricular funds promptly to facilitate effective participation in sports.
“Many schools are unable to meet the costs of sporting activities because of inadequate funding. If we want to develop talent and improve school sports, the ministry must allocate sufficient resources and release them on time,” he said.
Despite the financial challenges, Gisemba encouraged sports teachers to remain committed to nurturing young talent by making the best use of the limited resources available.
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“Our children have talent that must be nurtured. Even with limited resources, we must keep the fields open and the games on,” he said.
Gisemba emphasized that school sports play a critical role in the holistic development of learners.
He noted that regular participation in sports enhances physical fitness by improving strength, endurance, coordination, and overall health, while also boosting concentration and cognitive development through improved blood circulation.
He added that sports also contribute to learners’ social and emotional growth by instilling discipline, resilience, teamwork, self-confidence, and respect for fair play. According to him, these values help reduce indiscipline in schools while building responsible and emotionally resilient young people.
Gisemba further observed that sports equip learners with valuable life skills such as time management, goal-setting, leadership, and perseverance, adding that early identification of talent can open opportunities for scholarships, national team selection, and future careers in sports.
Meanwhile, retired teacher and sports administrator Evans Siocha has challenged teachers to embrace sports management as a career pathway that can enhance their professional growth and expand their opportunities beyond classroom teaching.
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Speaking during his retirement ceremony at Riosigo Comprehensive School in Nyamache Sub-County after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years, Siocha said his involvement in school sports earned him recognition, leadership opportunities, and professional fulfillment throughout his teaching career.
Until his retirement, Siocha served as the Kisii County Primary Schools Sports Secretary, a position he held for several years.
He said participation in sports administration exposed him to leadership, mentorship, and travel opportunities that significantly enriched his teaching career.
Siocha also encouraged teachers approaching retirement to embrace the transition positively instead of viewing it with fear.
Noting that about 12,632 teachers are expected to retire from active service this year, he urged retirees to remain active by mentoring younger teachers and supporting the development of sports in schools.
“Retirement should not be viewed as the end of life but as a new chapter. We should age gracefully, create room for younger professionals, and continue serving society through mentorship and coaching,” he said.
By Enock Okong’o
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