Technical training institutions from across Kenya have converged on Nyandarua County for the second edition of the Kenya Technical Institutes National Ball Games, which organisers say will be policed against the use of outside players.
The three-day competition, running from November 5 to 7, 2026, brings together students to compete in football, netball, basketball and rugby, with categories for both men and women. The games have also incorporated activities for students with special needs.
Nyandarua National Polytechnic is hosting the event under the leadership of its Chief Principal, Dr Jane Gitau, with the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) coordinating the competition.
Matches and other activities are taking place at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, AHITI, Kianjata, Oljororok, Nyahururu Stadium and Laikipia University grounds.
KATTI National Chairman for Sports and Recreation Idd Faraj issued a strong warning against recruiting outsiders, commonly known as "mamluki" or mercenary players, to represent institutions. He said institutions found fielding non-students would face a three-year ban.
Mr Faraj said the competition should give genuine students an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
"Winning should never come at the expense of integrity. Institutions must respect the spirit of the competition and allow genuine students to represent their colleges," he said.
Mr Faraj also revealed plans to expand the competition beyond Kenya's borders through a proposed East African Technical Training Institutions Games. He said consultations were ongoing to establish the regional competition, which would bring together technical training institutions from different East African countries.
The initiative is expected to create more opportunities for student athletes and strengthen regional cooperation through sports, much like the East African Secondary Schools Games.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr Esther Muoria urged participants to view the competition as more than an opportunity to win medals and trophies. Her speech was read by Joyce Mwale from the department.
"Sports are an important tool for shaping character. Students should embrace discipline, respect their opponents and demonstrate good sportsmanship both on and off the field," she said.
Dr Muoria challenged the participants to use the competition to sharpen their sporting abilities, build friendships and strengthen unity among technical training institutions.
The ball games have increasingly become an important platform for identifying sporting talent within the TVET sector while promoting inclusion, teamwork and healthy competition.
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