KSSSA: Meet the seven schools eyeing national title in Thika

The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games return from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 2 August in Kiambu County

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Football will, once again, take centre stage with a new national champion guaranteed after reigning champions St. Joseph's Boys' Kitale were eliminated at the county stage.

The road to Thika has also claimed several other established school football giants.

Last year's standout sides: Musingu High School, Kirangari High School, Moi High School, Serani Secondary School and Agai High School, all failed to qualify, blowing the race for the title wide open.

With many familiar faces missing, this year's tournament presents one of the most unpredictable fields in recent memory.

Mozzart Sport takes a closer look at the seven confirmed teams heading to Thika.

At the time of writing, the North Eastern Region had yet to determine its representative, with the qualifiers scheduled for the week beginning 20 July.

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Tenwek Boys

Region: Rift Valley

Coach: Nelson Simwa

County: Bomet

Tenwek Boys head to the national games as one of the biggest success stories of the 2026 school football season.

The Bomet-based side ended the dominance of several Rift Valley heavyweights before staging a dramatic comeback to beat Menengai Boys 3-2 in the regional final and secure a historic maiden appearance at the national games.

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The foundation of their rise was laid in 2025 with support from the APS Bomet technical team, helping build a side that thrives on resilience, aggressive pressing, and quick attacking transitions.

Tenwek recovers possession high up the pitch and have repeatedly shown the character to respond when under pressure.

Despite lacking the national pedigree of traditional powerhouses, their confidence and momentum make them genuine contenders to progress beyond the group stage.

Players to watch: Moses Odero, Richard Wandera, Brian Kipkemoi, and Emmanuel Olando.

Prediction: Quarter-finals.

St Mary's Yala

Region: Nyanza

Coach: Kevin Oluoch

County: Siaya

The Black Saints return to the national stage after ending years of frustration by lifting the Nyanza regional title.

Yala edged Kisumu Boys 1-0 in a tightly contested final, with coach Kevin Oluoch's tactical discipline once again proving decisive.

They defend compactly, remain patient in possession, and rarely lose their shape even when placed under sustained pressure.

Rather than relying on physicality, they dictate matches through structure and discipline, qualities that have turned them into genuine dark horses.

Their biggest challenge will be converting possession into goals against stronger opposition, but their defensive solidity gives them every chance of mounting a deep run.

Players to watch: Stephen Ouma, Edwin Otieno, and Javan Omondi.

Prediction: Semi-finals.

Kakamega School

Region: Western

Coach: Hesbon Nyabinge

County: Kakamega

Popularly known as the Green Commandos, Kakamega School returns carrying the weight of expectation after reclaiming the Western Region title.

Their rich football tradition and unmatched success at this level once again place them among the favourites.

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No school in this year's competition boasts a stronger national pedigree. A total of 13 national titles show Kakamega's status as Kenya's most successful school football team, while generations of top footballers have emerged from the institution.

The Green Commandos combine technical quality with physical strength and remarkable squad depth.

They rarely rely on one player and possess enough quality across the pitch to influence matches from multiple areas.

Players to watch: Mike Juma, Julius Agwambo, Derrick Wanyonyi and Macklin Adika.

National titles: 13.

Prediction: Finalists.

Tononoka

Region: Coast

Coach: Juma Kalato

County: Mombasa

Tononoka returns determined to restore their reputation as one of Coast football's traditional powerhouses.

The Mombasa-based school secured its place at the national games with an impressive 3-0 victory over Hola Boys in the regional final at Kwale Stadium.

The team plays with pace, technical quality, and confidence on the ball.

Their attacking approach revolves around quick transitions and dangerous wing play, characteristics that have long defined Coast football.

If they maintain consistency throughout the tournament, Tononoka possess enough quality to trouble any opponent.

Players to watch: Mohammed Mwapheku, Bakari Hamisi, Fadhili Adinani, and Hassan Athuman.

Prediction: Quarter-finals.

Tumaini

Region: Eastern

Coach: Ambasi Enos Paipe

County: Makueni

Tumaini quietly earned their place among the national contenders after defeating Katheka Kai Secondary School 3-1 to lift the Eastern Region title.

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Unlike many attack-minded teams, Tumaini relies on structure, discipline, and teamwork.

They defend collectively, remain compact without the ball, and are particularly dangerous on the counter-attack. Their tactical discipline has been the cornerstone of a campaign that has exceeded expectations.

Players to watch: Musa Tindi and Ali Mashale.

Prediction: Group stage.

Ruthagati

Region: Central

Coach: Evans Murono

County: Nyeri

Ruthagati carries the hopes of the Central Region after an impressive qualification campaign highlighted by a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending regional champions Kirangari.

The Nyeri-based school has built its success on defensive organisation and collective teamwork.

Comfortably absorbing pressure before launching quick attacks, Ruthagati rarely give opponents clear scoring opportunities.

The national stage presents a different challenge, but their disciplined approach makes them capable of causing a few surprises.

Players to watch: Emmanuel Wahiu, Morgan Maina, Alvin Mwangi and Lewis Gichiri.

Prediction: Group stage.

Highway Secondary

Region: Nairobi

Coach: Daniel Mwaura

County: Nairobi

Highway Secondary heads into Thika with the strongest credentials of any team in the competition.

The Nairobi champions successfully defended their regional crown after overcoming Upper Hill on penalties and now return to claim the national title.

Tournament experience remains their greatest weapon. Highway understands how to manage pressure, protect narrow leads, and produce results when it matters most.

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Their disciplined defense, composure in big moments, and winning mentality make them the benchmark for every other team in the competition.

If they reproduce the form that carried them to last year's nationals, Highway will take some stopping.

Players to watch: Bobsom Onyango, Denston Otongolo, Wayne Omondi, Ian Nzisa, and Athman Yusuf.

National titles: One.

Best national finish: Champions.

Prediction: Champions.