The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) has outlined its 2026 national school games calendar, covering both Term One and Term Two co-curricular championships. These annual games bring together secondary school athletes from all regions of the country to compete at the national level in various sporting disciplines.
The 2026 KSSSA calendar provides clear timelines for preparation, regional qualifiers, national championships, and related activities, ensuring uniform participation and organization across Kenya.
Overview of KSSSA Games Structure
KSSSA games are organized in a progressive structure:
- Zonal competitions
- Sub-county games
- County championships
- Regional games
- National championships
Only teams and athletes who qualify at the regional level proceed to the national games held during Term One and Term Two.
KSSSA National Term One Games 2026
The Term One National Games focus primarily on athletics and selected team sports. These games traditionally serve as a major talent identification platform for young athletes.
Term One Games Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 5th – 12th April 2026 |
| Host Region | Nyanza Region |
| Host County | Kisumu County |
| Main Host Town | Kisumu City |
| Arrival of Teams | 5th April 2026 |
| Referees’ and Officials’ Clinic | 5th – 6th April 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony | 7th April 2026 |
| Competition Period | 7th – 11th April 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | 11th April 2026 |
| Departure of Teams | 12th April 2026 |
Sports Disciplines – Term One
- Athletics
- Cross Country
- Rugby 15s
- Basketball 5×5
- Hockey
- Handball
- Swimming
All participating athletes must meet the Secondary School Under-18 eligibility requirements as set by KSSSA regulations.
KSSSA National Term Two Games 2026
The Term Two National Games feature a wider range of ball games and indoor sports. These championships are among the most popular events on the school sports calendar.
Term Two Games Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 26th July – 2nd August 2026 |
| Host Region | Central Region |
| Host County | Kiambu County |
| Main Venue | Thika Municipality (Mpesa Academy and surrounding venues) |
| Arrival of Teams | 26th July 2026 |
| Referees’ and Officials’ Clinic | 25th – 26th July 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony | 28th July 2026 |
| Competition Period | 28th July – 1st August 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | 1st August 2026 |
| Departure of Teams | 2nd August 2026 |
Sports Disciplines – Term Two
- Football (Soccer)
- Volleyball
- Netball
- Rugby 7s (Boys and Girls)
- Basketball 3×3
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Chess
- Scrabble
These games attract large crowds and serve as preparation grounds for regional and international school competitions.
Eligibility and Participation Guidelines
- All participants must be bona fide secondary school students.
- Age limits follow the Under-18 KSSSA policy.
- Schools are required to complete registration through official education channels before regional and national games.
- Athletes must compete only in disciplines for which they qualified at the regional level.
Failure to comply with eligibility rules may result in disqualification.
Importance of the KSSSA Games
The KSSSA national games play a vital role in:
- Talent identification for national youth teams
- Promoting discipline and teamwork among students
- Enhancing regional integration through sports
- Supporting holistic education beyond academics
Many elite Kenyan athletes began their sporting careers through KSSSA competitions.
FEASSSA Games Pathway
Top-performing teams and athletes from the KSSSA national championships are often selected to represent Kenya at the East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games, usually held shortly after the Term Two championships.
In 2026, FEASSSA games are scheduled for mid to late August, following the completion of the national school games.
Summary of Key KSSSA Dates for 2026
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term One National Games | 5th – 12th April 2026 |
| Term Two National Games | 26th July – 2nd August 2026 |
| FEASSSA Games | Mid–Late August 2026 |
Conclusion
The 2026 KSSSA Games Calendar provides a structured and well-spaced schedule for secondary school sports in Kenya. With Term One and Term Two championships hosted in Kisumu and Kiambu respectively, schools have clear timelines for preparation, qualification, and participation.
These games remain a cornerstone of youth sports development in Kenya, fostering excellence, discipline, and national unity through competitive school sports.
