Kenya is hosting the 23rd edition of the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, bringing together teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.
Ivory Coast from West Africa has joined for the first time this year, with 25 players participating, while Nigeria has expressed interest in the games, which are held annually on a rotational basis among participating countries.
This year’s event marks the culmination of Term 1 and Term 2 primary and secondary school games, bringing together over 3,000 students from the five countries.
While officially opening the games at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the event has become a platform for unifying the region and nurturing youth talent.
“I can say with pride that we are the region with the best-organised platform for cultural exchanges, nurturing lifelong friendships, and celebrating shared values through sports. We have demonstrated through sports the very essence of regional integration as we work together, grow together and succeed together,” he explained.
He added that the East Africa Schools Sports games have consistently demonstrated and enabled participating countries to navigate and overcome some of the challenges facing regional integration.
“While economic and political integration can be complex, on the playing field our youth speak a universal language of passion, respect, and true sportsmanship. This spirit of unity, forged through friendly competition, is a force that can strengthen bonds and become the foundation for promoting unity in our region,” he added.
The CS said in addition to fostering unity through the participation of youth in the region, the event has also become a cornerstone for talent and youth development.
“I commend all partner states of the East African Community for their unwavering commitment and dedication to sustaining these sports and games over the years. I call upon us to continue nurturing and perfecting them and to make them a true source of talent development that feeds into higher levels of competition for our countries and the region,” the CS noted.
The CS also said that sports are part and parcel of the educational journey for the youth and should never be regarded as a lesser aspect of the education system.
“Our education systems should work to develop holistic and well-rounded graduates. They should also provide conducive platforms for identifying and nurturing learners’ diverse talents and competencies,” he explained.
He said that through dedication, hard work and self-discipline, the youth can grow into promising and fulfilling careers in sports.
“Such careers will not only offer glory but also bring significant financial rewards that can transform lives and communities,” he added.
He said Kenya is hosting the East Africa School games at the same time that the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN) is taking place in the region.
“This is a monumental achievement that underscores our collective ambition in sports and serves as an inspiration to our youth. Our budding players who hone their skills on these fields will undoubtedly be inspired to represent our respective Nations in these prestigious tournaments and compete across the world in various professional leagues,” he added.
Students from the participating countries are competing in 19 disciplines: badminton, athletics, basketball 3×3, basketball 5×5, football, rugby 15s, rugby 7s, table tennis, handball, lawn tennis, volleyball, hockey, lacrosse, cricket, netball, beach soccer, scrabble, beach volleyball, swimming, and chess. Special Needs Education (SNE) learners will compete in showdown, goalball, blind football and futsal, among others.
Scrabble, chess, beach soccer, beach Volleyball, and showdown are new sports disciplines which have been introduced for the first time.
CS Ogamba welcomed the participants, noting that Kenya is honoured to host the prestigious event, which is a true testament to the spirit of regional unity and the power of the region’s youth.
By Moses Wekesa
