TURKANA WEST – Pokotom Junior School has secured its spot in the upcoming Turkana County school games after being crowned champions in the Turkana West Constituency Primary and Junior School boys’ football competition.
The school clinched the coveted ticket after edging out Arid Zone Junior School 1-0 in a fiercely contested final played on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Our Ladies Kakuma Girls Secondary School. Both teams displayed impressive football from the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities in a high-stakes match.
While Arid Zone looked like the more threatening side during the first half, creating several clear chances, they failed to convert their opportunities against Pokotom’s disciplined and resilient defense. The deadlock was finally broken in the second half when Pokotom slotted home the decisive goal from a free kick just three minutes before full-time.
The late strike sealed a hard-fought victory, confirming Pokotom as the Turkana West champions and earning them the right to represent the constituency at the county championships in Lodwar next week.
Pokotom’s athletic dominance extended beyond the football pitch. The school also ruled the boys’ volleyball competition, defeating Arid Zone by two straight sets (2-0) in the final played on Saturday at Kakuma Mixed Primary School to lift the constituency title.
Meanwhile, the primary school categories delivered their own share of drama. In the primary school boys’ football category, Arid Zone Primary School emerged as champions after defeating Kalobeyei Primary School 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
In the girls’ football final, Pokotom Primary School added to the institution’s trophy cabinet by defeating Kakuma Mixed Primary School 2-1 to claim the constituency title. The thrilling girls’ final was also played on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Our Ladies Kakuma Girls Secondary School.
Speaking after the tournament, Festus Muya, the Chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools and Junior Schools Sports Association (KPSSJSA) in Turkana West and Head Teacher of Loreng’o Primary School, praised the success of this year’s competition, noting a significant increase in participation.
According to Muya, nearly 20 primary schools and another 20 junior schools took part in the games, reflecting the growing importance of sports and co-curricular activities across the constituency.
Muya observed that the standard of competition has improved considerably.
He pointed out that several knockout matches, particularly from the semifinal stage onward, had to be decided through penalty shootouts, demonstrating how closely matched the teams were. He urged school heads to continue supporting learners in co-curricular activities, emphasizing that sports provide a critical platform for nurturing grassroots talent while complementing academic achievement.
”Many successful athletes begin their journeys at the grassroots level through school competitions.”
KPSSJSA Turkana West Secretary Patrick Itwara echoed the chairperson’s remarks, congratulating school administrators for backing the tournament. He highlighted that school sports play a vital role in promoting discipline, teamwork, unity, and holistic talent development among learners.
With the constituency games now concluded, the winning teams have shifted their focus entirely to the county championships next week in Lodwar.
The newly crowned champions will be hoping to maintain their impressive form as they battle for a spot in the regional school games.
