Fair play talk takes centre stage as KSSSA national Games kick-off in Thika

The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games got under way in Thika on Sunday with a resounding call for integrity, fair officiating and strict enforcement of eligibility rules.

More than 5,000 student-athletes from across the country began competing for national honours, with tickets for the East African School Games up for grabs.

Education leaders, teachers and sports administrators used the official opening ceremony to warn that the credibility of school sport depends on fair competition, urging referees, judges, coaches and players to uphold the highest standards throughout the week-long championships.

Hosted at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy and other venues across Thika, the tournament has brought together regional champions from all 47 counties to compete in football, volleyball, basketball, netball, rugby 15s, hockey, handball, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis and racquet games. Winners will earn the right to represent Kenya at regional and continental school championships.

Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa urged all participants to respect the rules of the competition and safeguard the integrity of the games.

"The success of these championships depends on every participant observing the rules. Let us ensure the competition is peaceful, safe and free from controversy," he said.

He also encouraged players to demonstrate sportsmanship regardless of the results.

The Ministry of Education's Director-General for Basic Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, said the ministry had strengthened its vetting procedures to eliminate age cheating and the fielding of ineligible players.

"We have enhanced our verification processes to protect the integrity of school sports. Some regional champions have already been disqualified after investigations established that they breached eligibility regulations," he revealed.

His remarks underscored the ministry's determination to stamp out malpractice before and during the national championships.

Thika High School teacher Robert Kimani backed the ministry's efforts, calling on referees and judges to officiate without bias while urging teachers and coaches to field only eligible students.

He noted that several teams competing in the national football tournament were not the original regional champions because higher-placed teams had been disqualified over eligibility and integrity issues.

Meanwhile, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kiambu Executive Secretary Moses Thogo challenged both the government and the private sector to invest more in talented young athletes after they leave school.

"We have many gifted players, but too many disappear from the sporting scene because there are no scholarships, sponsorships or structured pathways into professional sport," he said.

The national championships will run throughout the week and are expected to attract thousands of spectators, teachers and sports officials as schools battle for national titles while talent scouts search for Kenya's next generation of sporting stars.