Private schools are calling on the government to prioritize investment in sports infrastructure and coaching to align with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which aims to provide a holistic approach to education. During a recent sports event at Compuera Mangu Girls School in Juja, administrators, teachers, and students highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to bridge the gap between academics and co-curricular development.
Speaking at the event, Mbartha Kanalo, Principal of Compuera Mangu Girls, noted that her school hosted the competition because of its ability to accommodate junior secondary programs. However, she expressed concern over the lack of consistent government support in sports development. “CBC presents a unique opportunity to fix the imbalance between academics, sports, and the arts. But without modern facilities and qualified coaches, that vision could be lost,” she said.
Many private schools face challenges accessing quality sports grounds and are often forced to outsource trainers or travel long distances for suitable facilities. This, according to Kanalo, undermines the CBC’s objective of nurturing well-rounded learners.
Echoing these sentiments, Jane Githinji, Secretary General of the Kasarani Cluster a network of over 250 private schools called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments and schools. She emphasized the importance of developing modern sports facilities and investing in the training of professional coaches. “We need a long-term strategy that recognizes sports as vital to youth development, not a luxury,” she stated.
Students also lent their voices to the appeal. Trophy winners Vanesa Wanja and Israel Ngatia stressed the need for regular, nationwide competitions to identify and support young talent. “Kenya loses many promising athletes to other countries because they get better support abroad,” Wanja said. “We should be proud of our talent and invest in it locally.”
The event featured competitions in volleyball, netball, basketball, and football showcasing the immense potential of Kenyan youth when given access to resources and opportunities. The message was clear: investing in school sports is not just about competition, but about shaping a future where every learner thrives both academically and physically.
