By David Ndolo
Kakamega School’s “Green Commandos” have been crowned the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Boys’ Football Champions, edging St. Mary’s School, Yala 3-2 in extra time in a thrilling final at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
The victory marks a triumphant return to the summit of school football for Kakamega School, who lifted the national title for a record-extending 15th time — cementing their status as the most successful team in the competition’s history. The win comes eight years after their last national crown, ending a long wait for the Western Region giants who reclaimed their regional title in July before storming through the national tournament.
St. Mary’s School, Yala mounted a spirited fight throughout the competition, navigating a tough group stage before falling agonisingly short in the final. Their runners-up finish caps an impressive campaign for the Nyanza representatives.
Both schools have now booked their places at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Championships, set to take place in Morogoro, Tanzania, later this month, where they will represent Kenya on the regional stage.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed congratulated both schools on their achievements, describing the tournament as a valuable platform for identifying emerging talent.
“Congratulations to The Kakamega School (Green Commandos) on being crowned the 2026 KSSSA National Boys Football Champions!” Mohammed said.
“Commendations as well to St Mary’s School, Yala for an outstanding campaign and a well-deserved runners-up finish. Both teams have showcased exceptional quality, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.”
“As Kenya’s representatives at the upcoming East Africa Secondary Schools Ball Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, we wish both schools every success as they fly the country’s flag on the regional stage.”
Mohammed also pointed to the broader significance of the tournament for the federation’s youth development pipeline.
“With the FKF National Youth Team programmes for the U15, U17, and U20 age categories continuing to take shape, the KSSSA National Championships have once again provided an excellent platform for talent identification. FKF coaches and scouts have identified several promising players for further assessment and possible integration into the national youth teams.”
He closed his message with a final note of celebration for the champions and well-wishes for both schools ahead of their continental assignment.
“Congratulations once again, Green Commandos, and all the best to both schools in Tanzania!”
The 2026 KSSSA Term Two National Games, which ran from August 2 to August 6, brought together regional champions from across the country competing across 14 disciplines, including football, volleyball, netball, rugby sevens, basketball, hockey, and cricket. In the girls’ football competition, St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale claimed their first-ever national title, defeating Nyakach Girls on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Kakamega School and St. Mary’s School, Yala will now turn their attention to the FEASSSA Championships in Morogoro, running from August 13 to 23, where they will compete against the region’s best school teams from across East Africa.
