It's back to the drawing board as school games set new dates

Brian Kubal (left) and Derek Ashiundu of Kakamega High School tackle Laiser Hill's Gregory Simiyu. [File]

Uncertainty has hit the continuation of school games, which had resumed after students were separated from their teachers for close to two years due to Covid-19 outbreak.

With the pandemic having dialed down since then, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha ordered for the full resumption of the games in May.

Most counties had held their zonal and sub county games and were preparing for county games between August 4 and 7 before all schools were abruptly closed on August 2 to pave way for the General election and mid-term break.

The abrupt closure of schools and extended date for resumption left the games in a limbo. Schools are set to reopen tomorrow.

However, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Vice Chairman Julius Maiyo said focus is on re-opening of schools.

"Let us resume learning first and see how the calendar goes," said Maiyo as teachers and students look forward to having matters return to normalcy.

Before the closure of schools, Maiyo said most of the counties had adequately prepared for their respective county games and the government's move to abruptly close the learning institutions disrupted the school games calendar.

Most schools countrywide had participated in the zonal and sub-county games and had invested heavily for the county and regional games.

Mombasa and Kwale counties in Coast region had completed their zonal and sub county games and were to hold their county games on August 5 and 6 before breaking for the mid-term.

Mombasa County games were to be held at Shanzu Teachers Training College and Shimo La Tewa High School, while Kwale County games were to be held at Kinango Secondary School.

All accommodation arrangements, including purchasing of food for the participating teams, had been done.

Coast regional games are scheduled for next week from Wednesday to Saturday at Kwale High School.