Games teachers in primary, junior and secondary schools have begun attending specialised clinics to plan and prepare for this term’s school athletics competitions. The clinics teach event rules, coaching techniques and competition logistics, and help schools organise safe, fair and age-appropriate sports activities across clusters, zones, sub-counties and counties.
Key Takeaways
- Games clinics equip teachers with new skills, rules and certificates after completion.
- The Ministry enforces strict age limits and requires birth certificates to prevent overage participation.
- Primary and junior competitions now run under the Kenya Primary and Junior School Sports Association (KPJSSA).
- Primary and junior events include track, field, cross country, swimming, rugby and basketball with clear age categories.
Overview of this term’s school athletics competitions
Teacher training clinics are helping schools plan fixtures and prepare athletes for competitions organised at cluster, zone and county levels. Teachers learn up-to-date rules and coaching methods, and many receive certificates after the sessions. These preparations aim to improve athlete safety, fairness and the quality of competitions.
Age limits and eligibility rules
The Ministry has set clear age caps to protect young athletes and keep competitions fair. Schools must check and keep copies of birth certificates. Key eligibility rules are:
- Primary: learners must be under 12 years to compete.
- Junior secondary: learners must be under 15 years to take part.
- Secondary: only students under 18 years may participate; adults are banned.
Teachers and schools have been warned against using overage learners or outsiders. Forged birth certificates are prohibited and can lead to disqualification and disciplinary action.
Events for primary school learners
Primary school competitions focus on age-appropriate events and skills development. The main activities include:
- Kids Athletics for 8–11 year-olds
- Track events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 3000m
- Relay races: 4×100m, 4×400m and mixed 4×400m
- Field events: long jump, high jump, triple jump, discus, shot put and javelin
- Walk races and cross country: Under-12 boys and girls run 1,200m
Events for junior secondary learners
Junior school competitions broaden the range of sports to include both individual and team events. Planned activities include:
- Swimming events: 50m and 100m races in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, plus medley and relay races
- Athletics track events: sprints, middle distance, long distance, hurdles and steeplechase
- Field events: jumps and throws similar to primary level but often at higher standards
- Team sports: Rugby 7s and Basketball 5×5
- Cross country: U15 boys 3,500m and U15 girls 2,500m
Role of KPJSSA and competition calendar
Primary and junior school activities now operate under the Kenya Primary and Junior School Sports Association (KPJSSA). KPJSSA sets event lists, age categories and competition formats for the term. Many events will resume after the mid-term break, allowing schools time to complete training and selection.
How schools can prepare
Teachers and school administrators should use the clinics’ guidance to prepare athletes and venues. Practical steps include:
- Verify and file learners’ birth certificates well before competition day.
- Hold regular training sessions and trial events to select teams.
- Follow the technical rules learned at clinics for each sport to avoid disputes.
- Ensure first aid, hydration and safe playing surfaces during competitions.
Resources for teachers and coaches
Teachers looking for curriculum-aligned activities and assessment materials can download teaching and exam resources that support physical education planning. Useful resources include CBC exam practice materials and curated lesson content such as CBC teaching notes for primary classes. For schools preparing younger learners, downloadable term exam packs like the Grade 1–3 term 1 CBC exams can help balance academic and sports schedules.
Final points for teachers and parents
Clinics give teachers the tools to run fair, safe and well-organised competitions. Strict age verification and adherence to KPJSSA rules will protect learners and improve the quality of school sports. Schools that plan early, follow guidance from clinics, and use available teaching resources will create better opportunities for learners to compete and grow through sport.
