After eight years in the cold, Kakamega High School's 'Green Commandos' ready to roar
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Jul 29, 2026
Eight years after lifting the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football title, Kakamega High School, popularly known as Green Commandos, are back on the biggest stage with one mission, reclaim the crown.
The Western Region champions will return to the KSSSA National Term Two Games that kick off on Sunday at Mpesa Academy in Thika, hoping to add a record-extending 15th national football title to their rich history.
Their last appearance at the nationals was in 2018 at Hill School in Eldoret, where they were crowned champions after edging then Central Region winners Olbolsat Secondary School 1-0 in the final.
The winning goal was scored by current AIK Fotboll striker Henry Meja, then a rising star who later featured for Tusker FC, while the team was captained by current Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango.
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This year’s campaign comes with added belief after the national title was left vacant. Defending champions St Joseph’s Boys Kitale failed to qualify beyond the county stage, while their rivals St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, who eliminated them, also missed out after suffering a surprise defeat to Tenwek School in the Rift Valley regional games.
Green Commandos have earned their return through an impressive season. They have played 16 matches, winning 14, drawing one and losing only once.
They have scored an incredible 60 goals while conceding just four, keeping 13 clean sheets and finishing with a remarkable goal difference of plus 56.
Their journey began by sweeping through the Kakamega Central Sub-County games with six wins from six matches.
They scored 35 goals and conceded only once, including huge victories such as 9-0 over Esokone, 9-0 against Rosterman in the semi-finals and 7-1 over Eshisiru in the final.
The only setback came during the Kakamega County games where they lost 2-0 to Musingu in the semi-finals before recovering to beat Tande 2-0 and finish third to keep their regional hopes alive. They finally got the regionals after Butere Boys were disqualified.
They responded strongly at the Western Region games, where they remained unbeaten. Green Commandos defeated Bukembe 3-1, Kolanya 2-0 and Kibabii 4-0 before beating Musingu 2-0 in the final to avenge their earlier county defeat and book their place at the national finals.
Coach Cliff Lugalia believes the team’s success has been built on consistent competition throughout the season.
“We have played many league matches alongside school competitions and that has given the boys a lot of exposure. Every match has helped them improve and prepared them for what lies ahead at the nationals,” said Lugalia.
The coach says his players are ready to fight for another national title after eight years away from the tournament.
Kakamega High have also shown strength across the pitch. Mike Okoth and Julius Ochieng have each scored 13 goals this season, while Daniel Ombati has added eight.
Brighton Nacheri has contributed four goals and led the team with four assists during the Western Region games, highlighting the attacking depth within the squad.