Kakamega School has secured a place at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Championships after ending a seven-year wait with a dramatic victory over three-time Kakamega County champions Musingu High School in the Western Region boys’ football final.
The highly anticipated final, played at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma County on Saturday, 11 July 2026, attracted thousands of passionate fans and lived up to expectations with an intense contest between two football powerhouses.
After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match headed into extra time, where Kakamega School finally broke the deadlock. Brighton Nacheri, popularly known as “Messi,” delivered a dangerous corner in the 114th minute before providing a superb assist for Fidel Odhiambo, who sealed a memorable 2-0 victory with a late goal in the 121st minute.
The triumph marks Kakamega School’s return to the KSSSA National Championships for the first time since 2019 and earns them the honour of representing the Western Region at the national finals in Thika, Kiambu County, later this month.
In the girls’ football final, defending national champions Butere Girls suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Archbishop Njenga Girls. The decisive goal came after an unfortunate mistake by the Butere goalkeeper, handing Archbishop Njenga the regional title and a place at the national championships.
Meanwhile, in the Nairobi Region, Highway Secondary School continued their impressive dominance under head coach Beldine Odemba by qualifying for the KSSSA National Championships for a third consecutive year. Highway defeated Hill School 4-3 on penalties in the regional final at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, 12 July 2026, after both sides played out a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
In other disciplines across the Western Region Championships, Malava Boys High School were crowned boys’ volleyball champions after defeating Chesamisi High School in straight sets (3-0). However, the result remains subject to confirmation after Chesamisi lodged an official appeal, with the tournament jury expected to deliver a final verdict.
In the girls’ volleyball competition, St. Mathias Mwitoti Girls emerged as the new regional champions following an impressive campaign. Bokoli Boys claimed the boys’ Rugby Sevens title, while Mbakalo Girls were crowned champions in the girls’ Rugby Sevens category.
In basketball 3×3, Nambale Boys secured the boys’ championship, with Tigoi Girls lifting the girls’ title after impressive performances throughout the tournament. Bukokholo Girls also celebrated success after being crowned the Western Region netball champions.
This year’s regional championships also saw several traditional football powerhouses fail to qualify for the national finals. Among the notable casualties were Musingu High School, JOBO, Solidarity Boys, Kisumu Boys, Agai Secondary School, Shanderema Secondary School, Serani School, Kisumu Day School, and Dagoretti High School.
The qualified teams will now shift their focus to the 2026 KSSSA Term Two National Championships, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 28 July to Saturday, 1 August 2026, at the MPESA Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, where they will compete for national honours and qualification to the East Africa Secondary Schools Games.
