Battle for EA supremacy begins: Kenya seek to retain East Africa Secondary Schools games title

Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Team Kenya captain caroline Njeri of Kaya Tiwi and Smith Rolf of Upper Hill wave the Kenya's flag at St Mathias Boys in Busia on August 8, before leaving for Rwanda this morning (Thursday) ahead of this year's Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association games that begin on Sunday at Musanze in Rwanda. Photo by Ignatius Odanga

It is a tough duel as Kenyan students strive to defend the Brookside East Africa Secondary School games overall title.

They will be out to stamp authority over their East Africa counterparts as the games begin in Musanze, Rwanda, today. Kenyans will be out to extend their reign in rugby 15s, rugby 7s, hockey (boys and girls), volleyball girls, athletics, tennis and swimming.

They will also be seeking to reclaim the boys’ and girls’ basketball and handball titles, boys’ volleyball, badminton and table tennis titles. Kenyan captain Rolf Smith Ouma was confident they will retain the overall title and ensure they reclaim some of the titles.

“We want to defend the title. We have agreed that each one of us must discharged their individual roles diligently because we must excel in our respective disciplines to emerge overall champions. We have a tough task ahead against Uganda and Rwanda but I believe we are all ready to play our part and ensure we take the trophy back home,” Ouma said.

Brookside Dairy sponsored this year’s games, setting aside Sh10 million that will go towards kitting all teams.

Brookside Dairy Executive chairman Muhoho Kenyatta and the company Chief Operating Officer Faiz Taib announced the funding on Thursday at State House Entebbe, Uganda. They were presenting the sponsorship kitty to Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni and Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association President Justus Mugisha.

“Our brand is synonymous with the East Africa secondary schools’ games. We (Brookside) are proud to be part of these games that have grown in leaps and bounds over the years and played a big role in nurturing sports talent as well as promoting regional cohesion,” Mr Kenyatta said.

He urged contestants at this year’s games to put in more effort, play their hearts out as they strive for excellence. “Each participant has a lot to gain from these games. Our Strathmore University scholarship programme for hockey and basketball players is still on and I urged you to give your all so you can gain from the programme. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your talent because you are launching your international sports career be the best you can be,” Kenyatta added.  

Ugandan students were among beneficiaries from the firm’s benevolence as they received a five-year support of USh2.8 billion through Brookside’s Ugandan brand Fresh Dairy.

Mugisha said Brookside’s support has gone a long way in developing talent in the region.

“Brookside sponsorship has provided a talent identification platform in various sports discipline. There is a sense of belonging and level play field for due to proper kitting of all participants,” he added.