With the 2026 KSSSA Term One National Games set to be played from Sunday, 5 to Sunday, 12 April in Kisumu, fast approaching, the national picture is beginning to take shape as Nairobi, Coast, and Central regions concluded their qualifiers.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsWhile Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, and North Eastern regions are yet to finalise their representatives, the teams already through to nationals offer an early glimpse into potential contenders, many carrying momentum from impressive performances at the 2025 edition.Several of the already qualified schools featured prominently at last year’s games, underlining continuity and sustained excellence across regions.Revisiting Kenya's U15 botched School Games trip in Uganda, who's at fault?In basketball, Dagoretti High School (Nairobi) returns to the national stage after securing bronze in 2025. Their qualification sets up another opportunity to challenge for top honours, particularly after proving their competitiveness against elite opposition last year.From the Coast, Dr. Aggrey High School also returns in the boys’ category, having finished as silver medalists in 2025. Their consistency makes them one of the early teams to watch, especially as they aim to go one better this time.In the girls’ category, Kaya Tiwi (Coast) are back after claiming silver last year, reinforcing their position as one of the country’s most consistent basketball powerhouses. Nairobi’s Moi Girls and Central’s Loreto will be keen to disrupt that dominance.##NAJAVA_MECA_9604941##In hockey, the Coast region’s St Charles Lwanga stands out as a returning force, having secured bronze in the boys’ competition in 2025.Their qualification, alongside Nairobi’s Hospital Hill and Central’s Alliance High School, sets up a competitive field even before traditional powerhouses from Western and Rift Valley confirm their slots.In the girls’ category, St Charles Lwanga doubled its presence, qualifying from the Coast once again, while Mwiki Secondary School (Nairobi) and Mpesa Foundation Academy (Central) complete the early lineup.CAF President weighs in on decision to strip Senegal of AFCON titleHandball has also produced a mix of returning and emerging teams. Nairobi’s Highway Secondary School, bronze medalists in the boys’ category in 2025, are back in contention after navigating their regional qualifiers.They will be joined by Kenyatta Secondary School (Coast) and Handege Secondary School (Central), both of whom will be looking to challenge Western’s recent dominance in the discipline.In the girls’ competition, Nairobi’s Nembu Girls, Coast’s Mwatate Girls, and Central’s Karai Girls have secured their tickets, with all three aiming to break into the medal bracket after last year’s podium was dominated by Western and Rift Valley schools.##NAJAVA_MECA_9604906##Rugby 15s has produced a fresh set of qualifiers from the completed regions, with Upper Hill School (Nairobi), Kwale High School (Coast), and Mang’u High School (Central) booking their places in the boys’ competition.With defending champions Vihiga High School (Western) yet to play their regional qualifiers, these early entrants will be closely watching developments, knowing they are likely to face a formidable Western side at nationals.In the girls’ category, Mbagathi Mixed Secondary School (Nairobi), Moi Forces Academy (Coast), and Kinale Girls (Central) have qualified, setting up a diverse field as the sport continues to grow across regions."He is a game changer": AFC Leopards praise influential midfielder after another star showingDespite these early confirmations, the absence of teams from Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley regions that dominated the 2025 edition means the competitive landscape remains incomplete.Western alone produced multiple champions last year, including Vihiga (rugby), Butere Girls (basketball), Musingu (hockey boys), Tigoi Girls (hockey girls), Kimilili (handball boys), and Moi Girls Kamusinga (handball girls). Their eventual qualifiers are expected to significantly shift the balance heading into Kisumu.As the remaining regions finalise their representatives, the already qualified teams have taken an early step toward national glory. However, history suggests that the real test lies ahead.
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