Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) President Kipchumba Maiyo has expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the National Secondary School Games in Kakamega.

Speaking at Bukhungu Stadium during an inspection tour of the facilities or the games, Maiyo called upon fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer participating teams, promising thrilling and competitive matches.

The national secondary schools games will be a dress rehearsal for the East and Central Africa school games to be held at the same venues later in August.

He said the quality of competition has improved over the years with schools showing a higher level of performance and determination, Maiyo noted that the association is not treating the secondary school games merely as a competition but also as an opportunity to showcase talent to bigger teams’ scouts.

He said the identified talent will then be nurtured with the help sports federations to help the youth secure a better future.

Maiyo gave the example of Aldrine Kibet, who rose to prominence during the National Secondary School Sports competitions that were held at Bukhungu Stadium in 2023.

Kibet helped his school, St Anthony Boys High school, clinch the National Secondary School title and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

He earned a scholarship through the Government’s Talanta Hela Programme to join Nastic Sports Academy in Spain where he continued to nurture his football talent and was further exposed to scouts.

Due to the exposure, Kibet has landed a four-year contract with Celta Vigo from July 16, 2025.                  He has also represented Kenya under-20 national team as a midfielder.

“It is not just about competition. We want to identify talent that can be nurtured by various federations so that the youth can have a better future through sports,” he added.

Maiyo was speaking when he led a team of officials from the association on an inspection of various fields in Kakamega in preparation for the competitions, which begin this week.

He said Bukhungu Stadium will host the finals of the East Africa Secondary Schools football matches. He noted that the teams will use the artificial turf during the camp to familiarise themselves with the field before the main matches begin.

“After the National Games we shall camp here in Kakamega for two weeks as we prepare for the East Africa Secondary School games which will begin on 14th August,” he noted.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Moses Wekesa