The government has sounded a tough warning against age cheating and other forms of malpractice in school sports, as more than 6,000 learners gather in Kisumu for the 2026 Term One National School Games.
In a speech read on his behalf by Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migosi Ogamba said the government will not tolerate the growing vice of ineligible players, warning that it threatens the credibility of school competitions and the future of young athletes.
The CS said cases of age cheating and irregular recruitment of players where schools lure talented students from rival institutions are denying genuine learners a fair chance to compete and showcase their abilities.
“Our games are capped at 19 years and below in line with global standards. Any deviation not only undermines fairness but also risks locking out deserving students from exposure, scholarships and opportunities to represent the country,” said Ogamba in the speech delivered during the opening ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium.
He emphasised that school sports are a key pillar of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), describing them as an investment in nurturing discipline, teamwork and resilience among learners.
“School games are not an expense but an investment in our youth. They are the seedbed where future national and international champions are nurtured,” the CS said.
Ogamba also called for the unification of the various school sports associations into a single body to streamline management and strengthen coordination in the sector.
At the same time, he cautioned schools against rushing to court over disputes arising from competitions, urging them to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
“Litigation is counterproductive, drains public resources and distracts from the core objective of developing learners,” he said.
On his part, Prof. Bitok reinforced the government’s stance, warning that teachers found facilitating age cheating will face disciplinary action.
“We have given clear instructions. Any teacher involved in age cheating will be dealt with accordingly. Teachers know their students and must not encourage dishonesty,” he said.
The PS said the ministry is working closely with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other stakeholders to enforce compliance and ensure fair competition across all levels.
Bitok further revealed that the government is addressing long-standing delays in funding co-curricular activities, noting that engagements with the National Treasury were ongoing to ensure funds are disbursed to schools before reopening.
“We want to make delays in competitions a thing of the past. Schools will receive resources on time so that learners can fully participate in both academics and co-curricular activities,” he said.
He added that 99 per cent of Grade 10 textbooks have already been delivered, with the remaining shortfall attributed to higher-than-expected student enrolment in some schools.
Bitok also highlighted ongoing investments in education infrastructure, noting that more than 23,000 classrooms have been constructed in the past three years, creating space for over one million additional learners.
The PS said the government is also expanding sports infrastructure, with most counties now equipped with stadiums to support talent development under CBC.
Speaking during the same occasion, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili welcomed the games, saying the county is positioning itself as a key sports hub.
“Sports is now an examinable pathway that can shape careers. We must identify and nurture talent early so that these young people can reach their full potential,” he said.
The week-long championships have brought together primary, junior, secondary and special needs learners under the “Olympic model”, which the government says promotes inclusivity and holistic education.
Winners from the games will join those from Term Two competitions to represent Kenya at the 2026 East African School Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
by Chris Mahandara
