Regional games also affected by coronavirus

Ushirika High School's Maximilan Nduku (left) and Abisiba Bokebo of Parklands Arya Girls during the Nairobi Region secondary schools Sports held at State House Grounds on Friday March 13, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Following confirmation of the first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kenya, the secondary school’s sports activities that were ongoing have also been affected.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Chairman Peter Orero said the decision to call off the games solely depended on a directive from the Ministry of Education.

“We are consulting with the Ministry of Education and they will advise us on the next step because all decisions regarding co-curricular activities are made by the Ministry.

“We will follow the directive they give us and communicate with our regions as well as county offices accordingly. Our games will be on hold while we wait for the Ministry to advise us,” Orero said.

Suspension of all sporting activities will impact on the school’s calendar and is likely to delay the Term One games.

Most competitions went on as scheduled yesterday because Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcements when the students were already at the competition venues.

On his part, Nairobi Region Secondary Schools Sports Association Chairman Maurice Okumu announced the postponement of the regional games that were ongoing around the city.

“Following the directive that all inter-school’s activities be postponed among other related large gatherings as safety against Coronavirus global pandemic, Nairobi Term One games remain postponed to wait on the Ministry of Education advice going forward,” read a statement from Okumu.