In line with the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE), with a particular focus on the Arts and Sports Science pathway, St. Francis Kimuron Boys High School will host the sixth edition of its Open Tournament from May 16 to 17 in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The two-day tournament is designed to strengthen sports talent identification, learner development, and competency enhancement among students pursuing sports-oriented career pathways under CBC.
It is expected to bring together learners from various schools to participate in multiple sporting disciplines under a structured experiential learning programme.
The institution, which has consistently distinguished itself as a centre of sports excellence within the county, continues to position itself as a strategic hub for nurturing athletic talent and promoting co-curricular development among learners.
Speaking ahead of the event, teacher and sports coach Moses Biwott said the tournament has been carefully structured to align with CBE objectives by enhancing practical competencies, technical skills and learner specialisation within the Arts and Sports Science pathway.
“The Open Tournament is specifically intended to reinforce the implementation of the Arts and Sports Science pathway by providing learners with structured opportunities for talent development, competitive exposure, and skills advancement,” said Biwott.
He noted that the school had already finalised logistical and technical preparations to ensure the successful execution of the tournament, adding that the institution remains committed to supporting holistic learner development through integrated sports programmes.
“Our core objective is to ensure that learners pursuing this pathway acquire the necessary competencies, visibility, and performance standards that can enable them to excel both academically and professionally within the sports sector,” he added.
Athletics coach Boniface Limo said the sixth edition of the tournament has expanded its scope by incorporating cross-country competitions as an additional discipline aimed at broadening participation and enhancing talent identification.
“Unlike previous editions, we have included cross-country events to ensure inclusivity and to maximise athlete development across diverse sporting disciplines,” said Limo.
He explained that the inclusion of cross-country running is expected to strengthen endurance training, improve athlete conditioning, and support early identification of long-distance running talent, particularly in a county internationally recognised for producing elite athletes.
Education stakeholders have continued to emphasise the importance of co-curricular integration within CBE, noting that structured sports programmes contribute significantly to competency acquisition, psychomotor development, leadership skills, teamwork, and career progression among learners.
Biwott further said the tournament is also expected to enhance institutional collaboration, strengthen competitive benchmarking among schools, and provide learners with exposure to structured sports development systems in preparation for regional and national competitions.
He added that the event will offer a platform for talent scouts and coaches to identify promising athletes who can be nurtured into professional sports careers, reinforcing the school’s role in developing future champions.
By Rennish Okongo
