East Africa games, where future stars are born

For over two decades, the East Africa secondary school games have provided athletes a platform to showcase their talents.

It’s at these games that many of the region’s successful sportsmen and women had their first experience competing on the international stage.

The games go beyond the pitch and have played a major role in fostering unity among East Africans.

The exchange of national branded merchandise and tracksuits at the end of every competition says it all. It has become a norm to see Kenyan students return home donned in Ugandan, Rwandese and Tanzanian national colours and vice versa.

East African integration has become a huge success thanks to the annual Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) initiative that has united the region through sports.

Now rebranded to Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) to include Primary School and Special Needs Education (SNE) learners, the games akin to a mini-Olympic, have grown in leaps and bounds since the first edition held in 2002.   

The number of participants has gradually increased over the years with the just concluded 22nd edition having over 4,000 students, the highest number in the games' history.

Five East Africa nations; Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and hosts Kenya battled for glory as Kakamega came alive with thousands of locals thronging different fields to not only enjoy the games but also celebrate future stars. The games also attracted Ivory Coast as a guest participant.

Just like previous editions, stars were born in different sports disciplines. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the games FEASSA president Justus Mugisha emphasised the impact the games have had on the standards of sports in the region.

“When we come here for these international competitions, we improve our standards and I’m sure you will realise that when you return to your respective countries,” Mugisha said.

He also revealed that the top three teams qualified for the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and Federation of Africa School Sport (FASS). Also present at the games were ISF President Zeljko Tanaskovic and FASS president Youssef Belqasmi who revealed that they were impressed with talent exhibited at the games.

Kenya was crowned overall winner after garnering 63 medals following their excellent performance in secondary, primary and SNE categories.

Uganda, who had won the past four editions before the inclusion of primary and SNE, finished second with 48 medals, while Tanzania completed the top three with nine. Rwanda had three, Burundi two, while their guests Ivory Coast didn’t secure a medal.

However, even as countries celebrated their conquests and rued their missed chances, it is the individual effort by the players that will shape their sports careers.

For instance, Uganda and Kenya girls football teams featured their Under-17 national women’s team players for various schools with Uganda’s Teen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya of Kawempe Muslim bagging the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her brilliant performance despite her side losing 1-0 in the final to compatriots St Noa.

Junior Starlets skipper Halima Imbachi was tasked to lead not just her side Butere Girls, but as Team Kenya’s captain a role she played with much delight.

Musingu High School's football captain Annan Okumu, who together with Imbachi captained Team Kenya, was among standout players at the games.

Okumu, the younger brother of Kenya international Joseph Okumu, was solid in defence for the Scorpions as he displayed leadership on and off the pitch.

His compatriots, midfielder Kelvin Mukaramoja and striker Marvin Ashiundu are also players to watch in years to come. Though their side lost 1-2 to Uganda’s Bukedea Comprehensive in the final, they are without doubt destined for greatness.

St Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale goalkeeper Delvin Vurachi, striker Instin Simiyu and midfielder Collins Mwalati also had a good outing in the Kakamega games.

Kenyan boys exerted dominance in rugby 15s as they set an all-Kenyan final which saw Kisii School carry the day following an 11-6 win against 2024 winners All Saints Embu.

The Kenyans secured a clean sweep in boys rugby 7s but relinquished the title to Uganda’s Jinja Secondary School settling for silver and bronze.

Kisii School players were impressive with their star player Matrix Matangi bagging the MVP award.

Other outstanding players who could break into the Kenya Simbas squad soon were Isaac Mageto, Laystone Onduko, Chaz Obiero, Hughes Ombasa, Chrispine Jesse and Jackson Kengere.

Josphat Karanja stood out for All Saints, with Upper Hill and national champions Vihiga High School also having several standout players.

Led by champions St Peter’s Mumias, Kenyans whitewashed their Ugandan counterparts to snatch the top four spots.

Clinton Njenga, who was voted MVP, is among players who have a bright future in the sport.

Njenga was key for his side leading them to both national and East Africa titles. St Peter’s achieved this feat on their return to the big stage after years in the cold.

St Anthony’s Boys High School Kitale, Musingu, St Charles as well as Mpesa Foundation Academy showed remarkable skills in hockey though they were outclassed by Uganda’s Kakungulu Memorial, who grabbed the trophy.

There were standout players from all the teams such as captain Kelvin Onyango, who has been notable since featuring for the school in 2023 while in form one.

Kerry Omondi, Collins Kimtai, Duncan Meli, Adriano Mukanda and Daniel Lagat, Vincent Onziru and Collins Njenga are just some of St Anthony’s players with promising futures.

MVP Brian Anzeze, his compatriots Newton Mwangaza and Francis Kagunda also excelled despite losing their trophy and finishing fourth.

Elen Akinyi of Mwiki Secondary School bagged the girls' hockey MVP award. Her brilliance earned her the recognition though her side finished fifth behind champions St Joseph’s Kitale.

There were outstanding skills from St Joseph’s players, their Friends Tigoi , Ng’iya as well as Mwiki counterparts.  

There were also dazzling performances from Kenyan students in athletics, volleyball, basketball, handball and netball.

Brian Okoth and Judy Kemunto bagged the athletics MVP awards while Nancy Kawera emerged the best girl in tennis.