This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
On Saturday, the National Secondary Schools Term Two Games came to a close in Kisumu, marking the end of a successful event that saw record crowds and the emergence of new champions.
With the exception of two girls' schools, Kaya Tiwi Secondary School (netball) and Kwanthanze Secondary School (volleyball), all other titles were up for grabs, and the competition was fierce.
Police had to be called in to control the crowds, particularly in netball, under-16 football, and volleyball matches at Kisumu Polytechnic grounds.
One notable incident was when local fans turned against their home team, Kisumu Day Secondary School, after Boda boda operators, hawkers, and touts in Kisumu abandoned their businesses and threw their weight behind their opponents in protest of Kisumu Day's 'boardroom qualification'.
"This was one of the best championships based on the crowds that thronged the match venues and the raw talents that were displayed," said Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Secretary General, David Ngugi.
Boystown Secondary School from North Eastern Region surprised everyone by topping group B with maximum points, while Volunteer Girls Secondary School was voted the most improved team, despite losing all their pool A matches.
The championships also saw the emergence of new champions in various disciplines, including Nyakach Girls, St Anthony's Boys Secondary School, Serani Secondary Schools, Wiyeta Girls Secondary School, and Mogonga PAG Secondary School.
Attention now shifts to the East Africa Secondary School Games, where various teams will represent the country as it seeks to defend its overall team title in Arusha, Tanzania later this month.
