Kenyan secondary school teams are facing a difficult campaign at the 23rd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Championships, FEASSSA 2026, with the regional games entering their third day in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Kenya arrived at the championship with high expectations following strong performances at the national KSSSA championships, but several representatives have struggled to replicate that form against some of East Africa’s best school teams, particularly in boys’ football and volleyball.
In boys’ football, St. Mary’s Yala, Kenya’s national runners-up, opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 defeat to St. Mary’s Kitende of Uganda, immediately putting pressure on their qualification hopes.
The biggest blow for Kenya, however, has come from Kakamega School, the reigning national champions. The giants have been officially eliminated after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Kakamega lost 2–1 to Kyodondo Secondary of Uganda before falling 1–0 to Urambo Secondary, bringing their FEASSSA campaign to an early end.
In girls’ football, St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale have had a mixed start with the Kenyan champions openning with a 0–0 draw against Alliance Girls of Tanzania before sharing the points in another goalless draw against Amus College of Uganda.
The Kitale side, however, produced a much-needed response on day three by demolishing Kilombero of Tanzania 5–0, giving the Kenyan champions renewed confidence and strengthening their chances of advancing to the next stage.
Nyakach Girls, popularly known as the Plateau Queens, have also been forced to fight for their survival after beginning their campaign with a 3–0 defeat to Rines Secondary of Uganda. They are expected to face Ziba of Tanzania at Jamhuri Stadium today 17th , with the result likely to have a major bearing on their hopes of remaining in the competition.
Kenya’s struggles have also extended to boys’ volleyball, where Ugandan teams have emerged as particularly difficult opponents.
Chesamisi lost 3–1 to Bukedea of Uganda and then suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to Nyanza of Rwanda, although they recovered with a convincing 3–0 victory over fellow Kenyan side Matiliku.
Chepsaita began strongly with a 3–0 victory over Kajunjumele, but later suffered a closely fought 3–2 defeat to Namugogo of Uganda.
Matiliku endured an even tougher campaign, suffering defeats against Chesamisi, Lumala and Bukedea.
There has been some positive news in girls’ volleyball, with Soweto Girls defeating Mwanahunzi of Tanzania 3–0, while Mwitoti secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Bukedea.
Attention now turns to Kesogon Senior School, Kenya’s reigning national volleyball champions, who are scheduled to make their FEASSSA debut against Mengele of Tanzania. Kenyan supporters will be hoping the national champions can provide a major boost to the country’s campaign.
Away from the playing fields, however, concerns over the organisation and officiating of the championships have also emerged.
Some Kenyan participants have expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the regional tournament has been organised, with representatives from Chema Volleyball Club of Juja and Kwanthanze questioning aspects of the tournament’s management and officiating.
One of the concerns raised is the timing of the official opening ceremony, which was conducted after teams had already been competing for two days. The arrangement has prompted questions from some participants over the planning and coordination of a major regional championship involving schools from across East Africa.
The 23rd FEASSSA Championships continue until August 22, with Kenya hoping its remaining representatives can recover from the difficult opening, secure progression and restore national pride on the regional stage.
