Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association (KPJSSA), under the Ministry of Education’s State Department for Basic Education, has issued a circular outlining updated rules and guidelines for school sports competitions across the country.
Dated June 9, 2025, the directive has been sent to all regional, county, and sub-county secretaries to ensure uniformity in how sports activities are conducted in primary and junior schools.
Among the key changes is the standardization of sports equipment. For volleyball, the net height for both Under-15 and Under-12 categories is now set at 2.24 meters. Netball post height remains at 3.05 meters across both age groups. The size of the handball is set at size 2 for all categories, while footballs will be size 4 for Under-12 players and size 5 for Under-15.
ALSO READ:
Murang’a’s Muthithi Secondary bans use of phones by teachers during school hours
New rules have also been introduced regarding the composition of composite teams. For primary-level competitions, 75% of the team must be made up of players from the winning team, with the remaining 25% drawn from other teams. In instances where the winner is determined through penalties or sports kicks, 50% of the players will come from the winning team, 25% from the second-placed team, and the final 25% from other teams.
Regulations on the use of foreign players have also been clarified. In handball, netball, and volleyball, a maximum of three foreign players may be registered, but only two can play at any given time. In soccer, up to five foreign players are allowed on a team, but only three may play simultaneously. For basketball 3×3, only two foreign players can be registered, with one permitted on the court at a time.
Time allocations for matches have also been detailed. In soccer, primary school boys and girls will play two halves of 30 minutes with a 10-minute break, while junior players will have 35-minute halves.
ALSO READ:
Fears of retirement push some TSC staff to fake disabilities
Handball matches will consist of two 20-minute halves for primary pupils and two 25-minute halves for juniors, both with a 15-minute halftime break. Netball will be played in four 10-minute quarters, with 5-minute breaks between the first and second quarters and the third and fourth, and an 8-minute break at halftime between the second and third quarters.
The new rules aim to enhance fairness, inclusivity, and standardization in school-level sports across Kenya. The KPJSSA has urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the updated guidelines as preparations for upcoming sports competitions intensify.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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
