Laiser and Upper take Soya battle to the hills

Chavakali High School's Daniel Okindo (center) is tackled by Levis Ocen (left) and Charles Tendwa of Laiser Hill School during National Term Two games at Eldoret Sports Club on Friday July 27, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Having put their best foot forward locally and internationally, 12 schools have been nominated for the annual Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) boys school of the year award. 

The twelve will now cross their fingers and hope to make it to the final three who will be feted during the awards gala night set for January 11 at Fort Jesus,  Mombasa.

The nominees made the cut following their exemplary performances in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One and Two games as well as the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) championships.

Top on the list are national and East Africa rugby champions Laiser Hill Academy, Upper Hill and St Anthony's Boys Kitale.

The trio excelled locally winning the national rugby Sevens, rugby 15s and hockey titles before completing a successful season after bagging East Africa titles during the FEASSSA games in Musanze, Rwanda.  

Laiser Hill Academy, in addition to wining the national and regional rugby Sevens titles, the school's basketball team successfully defended the national boys basketball trophy.

Upper Hill, on the other hand, won their maiden national and East Africa rugby 15s titles, while their hockey team finished second at the national Term One games and fourth in East Africa games in Rwanda. 

St Anthony's were impressive as they defended the national title with a 2-1 victory against Upper Hill.

They staged a brilliant performance in Rwanda to bag their sixth East Africa title.

Others, who made into the list are Sigalame, who were superb in basketball, finishing second at the national games on their debut. 

National winners, Kakamega High (football) Malava (volleyball) and St. Luke's Kimilili (handball) are also in the battle for the coveted award.

Runner-up Olbolsat, Kapkenyeloi, Kanyawanga and Menengai High School also made the cut.

Musingu High School will also contest for the top accolade thanks to their hockey prowess at both national and East Africa games.

The awards will be sponsored by Mombasa County, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Communication Authority (CA), Kenya Pipeline, GOTv, LapFund, New KCC, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Protel, who are the service providers.