Ministry of Education downplays litigation amid KSSSA controversies

Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang directs all the schools to explore all avenues of dispute resolution mechanisms before initiating court processes, urging them to withdraw any active and pending legal suits.

The ministry expressed concern over the misuse of public funds, stating that schools have increasingly engaged lawyers without authorization, diverting resources meant for educational development.

"Such engagements are unauthorized and must be terminated immediately," reads part of the circular, which further emphasized that school funds are not to be used to finance legal battles.

This comes amid a tense term for school games, marred by massive irregularities and disciplinary actions by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA).

Schools such as Kisumu Boys, Onjiko, Kakamega, and Musingu High Schools have faced sanctions due to fielding ineligible players and failing to comply with regulations.

The aftermath of sanctions placed on various schools by KSSA saw Kamukunji Secondary School and Our Lady of Fatima Secondary move to the High Court against KSSA and the Ministry of Education.

In a ruling issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye on July 8, the court granted temporary orders compelling the ministry and KSSSA to allow the schools to continue participating in the Nairobi County Secondary School Games pending a full hearing of the case.

Despite the court's intervention, the ministry has reiterated that schools should refrain from initiating or continuing legal action without express approval from the office of the attorney general.

The move highlights growing tension between school administrations, sports authorities, and government agencies, with the ministry emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through proper, cost-effective mechanisms that do not compromise learning or public accountability.