Photo: Principal Secretary State Department of Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang speaking to soccer players during the announcement of Secondary, Schools’ National Competition in Kakamega
In an effort to boost the level of sports in the country, the government through the Ministry of Sports in partnership with Kenya Academy of Sports has announced plans to increase the number of teams participating in East African secondary school games to three from the initial two teams.
This comes as good news to teachers and schools amid rising competition in the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSA) games which has seen big names missing out as emerging schools surprise in the competition ongoing in Kakamega.
Speaking during the launch of this year’s KSSSA national competition in Kakamega, State Department for Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang applauded teachers for how they have managed to incorporate co-curriculum activities with education accommodating all talents in line with new CBC requirements.
“The government through the sports fund will partner with Kenya Sports Academy in funding all national sports games to ensure we tap and nurture more talents. This will give rooms for schools to produce more heroes to emulate sports legends like Mariga, Wanyama, Faith Kipyegon among others,” noted Dr Kipsang
The PS added that the government will convert some schools into sports academies in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum and in an effort to increase the chances of Kenya hosting Afcon in 2027.
“The Ministry has already identified schools which will be converted into sports academies even as Kenya hopes of hosting Afcon 2027 and World Under 19 athletics games this year. Kakamega School, Lenana School, and St Patrick’s Iten among other schools have been identified already,” he added.
Dr Kipsang affirmed the government’s commitment to developing sporting activities to generate income for the country besides creating employment for millions of talented youth.
The PS urged teachers to increase sporting events to accommodate all learners noting that sports help to mould learners into complete citizens in future.