By SHABAN MAKOKHA
July 30, 2026| Kakamega County has once again stamped its authority as the undisputed powerhouse of school sports in Western Kenya, producing four regional champions at the 2026 Kenya Junior Secondary School Sports Association (KJSSA) Championships in Vihiga County.
From the lush football pitches of Maseno Polytechnic to the thunderous volleyball courts, Kakamega’s young athletes displayed exceptional talent, discipline and resilience to outclass rivals from across the region and secure their places at the national championships in Thika, Kiambu County.
Mumias Central steal the show
Few teams have captured the imagination of football lovers this season like Mumias Central Junior Secondary School.
Having already lifted the Kakamega County title after overcoming some of the region’s traditional football giants, the boys arrived in Vihiga carrying the hopes of an entire county.
They did not disappoint.
Displaying maturity beyond their years, tactical discipline and breathtaking attacking football, Francis Obwamu’s charges navigated the highly competitive round-robin tournament to finish at the summit with seven points.
Their campaign reached its climax with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Busakami Junior School—a performance that left spectators on their feet and opponents with no answer to the team’s relentless attacking play.
Central then edged Kisiwa JSS of Bungoma 1-0 in their final match to seal the regional trophy.
For the boys coached by Rodgers Were, every pass carried purpose. Every tackle reflected determination. Every goal brought the travelling supporters closer to tears of joy.
When the final whistle sounded, jubilant players embraced each other while their teachers and fans burst into songs of celebration.
“It was a hot game. It was a do-or-die match because it was to determine the regional champions,” said Obwamu.
For the young footballers from Mumias, it was more than just another trophy—it was validation of their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Hill girls show nerves of steel
If Mumias Central thrilled fans with goals, Kakamega Hill Junior Secondary School demonstrated the value of resilience, organisation and composure.
The girls completed a flawless campaign, collecting a perfect nine points to finish unbeaten and deservedly claim the Western Region title.
Their decisive moment came in a tightly contested clash against Malakisi Junior School—a match that required patience, tactical discipline and nerves of steel.
A solitary goal proved enough to separate the two sides as Kakamega Hill secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, confirming their status as regional champions.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations as players hugged one another, some dropping to their knees in gratitude after months of sacrifice and hard work.
Their triumph was a reward for countless hours of training and unwavering belief.
Volleyball dominance completes the sweep
While football grabbed the headlines, Kakamega’s excellence extended to the volleyball courts.
Khaunga Junior Secondary School displayed outstanding teamwork and determination to lift the Western Region girls’ volleyball title, their commanding performances reflecting the school’s rich tradition in nurturing volleyball talent.
In the boys’ category, Ikoli Junior Secondary School matched that success, overcoming strong opposition to emerge Western Region champions.
Little-known Mayoyo Junior School triumphed in girls’ handball to add another trophy to Kakamega’s growing collection.
Together, the four schools ensured Kakamega returned home with four major regional trophies—an achievement few counties could match.
A culture of excellence
For years, Kakamega has consistently produced some of Kenya’s finest school teams. Whether in football, volleyball, rugby, athletics or netball, the county has become synonymous with sporting excellence.
Obwamu said behind every trophy lies a story of committed teachers, passionate coaches, supportive parents and determined learners who wake before dawn to train while balancing demanding academic schedules.
“Many of these children come from humble backgrounds,” said Obwamu. “Some train barefoot before eventually earning proper boots. Others travel long distances to school, driven only by the hope that sport will one day change their lives. The victories in Vihiga are therefore not merely sporting achievements. They are victories for entire communities that continue investing their faith in education and talent development.”
Eyes on the national prize
With the regional titles secured, attention now shifts to the Kenya Junior Secondary School National Championships in Thika, Kiambu County.
There, Kakamega’s champions will face the best schools from every region of the country. The challenge will undoubtedly be tougher, the competition fiercer and the pressure greater.
Western region will be represented in various categories as follows:
Netball – Boys: Masebule (Busia), Girls: Mukuyuni (Bungoma)
Handball – Boys: Mayoyo Junior (Kakamega), Girls: Kimilili FYM (Bungoma)
Basketball – Boys: Nambale (Busia), Girls: Savana (Bungoma)
Those who watched the county’s representatives in Vihiga believe they possess both the quality and character to compete for national honours.
Beyond the trophies and medals, these championships have reminded Kenyans of the transformative power of school sports. Today, they wear school jerseys. Tomorrow, they may proudly wear the national colours.
Fans already dreaming of Thika
As the teams returned home carrying trophies high above their heads, they were greeted not simply as winners but as ambassadors of a county that continues to set the pace in nurturing sporting talent.
Rosemary Otiel, an ardent fan of Mumias Central, could not hide her joy.
“We have been moving with this team every step of their journey. We are here to ensure they get every support they desire,” she said.
She appealed to well-wishers to come to the support of the team as they progress to the national championship.
According to Otiel, the victories belong not only to the school but also to the coach who believed in them, parents and well-wishers who sacrificed to keep them in school, teachers who encouraged them to chase greatness, and every supporter who stood by them throughout the journey.
“The road to Thika now beckons. The dreams have grown even bigger,” she added. “And if the performance in Vihiga is anything to go by, Mumias Central is not travelling to the national championships merely to participate. It is travelling to compete and inspire. And above all, it is travelling with the confidence of champions determined to carry the pride of Western Kenya onto the national stage and lift the national title.”