Schools in Kenya should use internal dispute resolution mechanisms during sports competitions to resolve differences, senior education officials say.

Director General Ministry of Education Elyas Abdi at the same time warned against using school resources to square out differences in court.

Speaking during official opening of the National Secondary School Games in Kakamega, Abdi noted that channels exist for dispute resolution and grievance-redress, from the sub-counties to the national level. The ministry of education headquarters is the last point of reference for unresolved disputes, he explained.

“Let us all commit to following the laid down procedures by ensuring transparency, consistency and fairness in all the decisions we make,” he added.

Abdi noted that the recent trend in which schools sue each other that involve sports associations and the ministry of education is counterproductive. He said legal action negatively affects the games and results in unnecessary government spending.

“We are asking our schools to let us all resolve our differences amicably and efficiently and focus the scarce resource on education and development of our students. We don’t encourage and we disagree with all those who are going to court to solve these disputes,” he said.

Abdi also emphasised the mandatory registration of all students through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) as they are fundamental in upholding the integrity of school games and sports.

“The verification of player details against the KEMIS records will ensure a level playing field for all, therefore fostering genuine sportsmanship where success is earned through true talent and effort. The system will also facilitate accurate data management which is essential for effective talent identification, the development of targeted programmes and informed policy directions,” he added.

On age-based competition, Abdi said that the games are capped at 19 years and below for basic education. “And that is the global best practice in the national school sports competition that includes those at the East African level which are predominantly age based. We cannot have an open ended age competition, we have restricted that and that should be enforced,” he added.

He said a total of 5,300 students from around the country are participating in the National Secondary school games accompanied by over 1,000 teachers and officials.

“School games are more than just competitions; they are a significant process for identifying and developing talent. They are the very seedbed where future national and international champions are nurtured,” he added.

Head of Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities Nelson Sifuna predicted that the games would be very entertaining.

•  A Tell Media / KNA By Moses Wekesa

Director General Ministry of Education Elyas Abdi speaks during official opening of the National Secondary School Games in Kakamega.

Musingu High School holds prayers in readiness for their opening match with Mbiruri from Embu.