Tendere High School’s new principal, Felix Orina, has said the school has decided to invest heavily in games and sports to balance academic work with the physical and mental development of learners.
He stated that co-curricular activities are no longer passive programmes as they were in the past education system. Under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), sports and games have become important pathways that directly contribute to learners’ career development.
“We will use this season to identify talent and strengthen arts, career development, and placement within the pathways,” he said.
Orina noted that sports reinforce academic development by improving learners’ concentration, discipline, and time management.
Students who engage in regular training learn to structure their day around practice, rest, and study. This routine reduces absenteeism and helps them remain focused on long-term goals.
He added that the discipline acquired on the field often translates into the classroom, where learners show greater consistency in completing assignments and preparing for examinations.
According to the principal, physical activity also supports cognitive function and mental health.
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory, problem-solving, and retention. Learners who participate in games report lower stress levels and handle academic pressure with greater resilience.
The balance between physical and mental activity makes students more alert in class and enables them to sustain concentration for longer periods.
Orina, who recently observed the school football team during training sessions ahead of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games, praised the games teachers for involving the school in local football build-up matches.
He said the matches had helped strengthen the team.
In a friendly match against Riagingera FC, Tendere High School won 2-1, a result games teachers described as an impressive start to the season.
The teachers expressed confidence in the team’s preparations as they target success in the Gucha Sub-county games, where Machongo Secondary School remains the defending soccer champions.
Orina urged the players not to focus on competition alone, but also to use sports to build good relationships with learners from neighbouring schools such as Itare, Nyansara, Matagaro, and Getuki.
He observed that team sports build communication, leadership, and cooperation skills that align with the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Through football and other games, students learn teamwork, conflict resolution, and responsibility for shared outcomes.
The principal said these skills improve performance in group projects and presentations while preparing learners for collaborative environments beyond school.
He further noted that the shift towards sports and talent development has opened clear career pathways for learners.
Students with talent in athletics, ball games, and performing arts now have opportunities for placement in sports academies, scholarships, and vocational pathways.
This broadens opportunities beyond the traditional university route and allows learners who excel practically to progress academically and economically.
By recognizing talent early, the school helps learners understand that sports can become both a career and a foundation for further learning.
Orina and the games teachers also observed that sports strengthen school culture and improve attendance.
When learners see their talents recognized and nurtured, they develop a stronger sense of belonging and motivation.
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This reduces dropout rates and creates an environment where co-curricular and academic excellence reinforce each other.
Orina said the investment would position Tendere High School to produce learners who are balanced, employable, and prepared for diverse career pathways.
By Enock Okong’o
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