The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) has quashed the court ruling that had removed the age limit for students participating in Secondary school games.

In June 2019, Justice Eric Ogola had ruled against section 17 (iii) of the KSSSA constitution that discriminates students who are aged above 19 years, noting that provisions of the constitution of Kenya outlaw any discrimination in public bodies or institutions.

According to the body that runs Secondary school games in Kenya, the ruling by the High Court, that declared age limit ceiling rule in school championships will not be observed during KSSSA run activities. 

KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi had warned that the court’s decision would see the comeback of ineligible players popularly known as mercenaries. Kenya will risk missing out on the East Africa games if the age rule cap is lifted.

Kapsabet Boys and Girls schools in Nandi County will be the venues for Term One games from April 14 to 23, 2020. A total of 1,900 participants are expected to feature in disciplines that include: basketball (Boys and Girls) , hockey (Boys and Girls), rugby 15s and 7s (Boys only), swimming (Boys and Girls), handball (Boys and Girls), and athletics (Boys and Girls).

GENERAL KSSSA RULES

Ministry has put a ceiling on the number of participants per team as shown below:

Other rules include:

1. All individual participants must have a school ID Card which must include the name, admission number, Date of administration, Class and date of birth plus birth certificate. They must be void of any erasures or changes certified by the head of the institution.

2. All individual participants and school terms must have a typed list on the school letter head showing the full names, date of admission, admission number, class and date of birth.

3. Punctuality should be observed strictly by all the teams. Teams not ready to start play at programmed time should be liable to fine of Ksh. 2000/= before the play of the next match, i.e. Lateness up to 15 min.

If the team is late by 30 min, a walk over shall be given.

4. Team Manager and coaches must ensure that their teams are disci-plined on and off the pitch all time.

5. All participants must produce their school identity cards which must be duly filled and void of any erasures or changes. They must also have a letter confirming their student status, written on the school letterhead and certified by the Head of the School and letter should include: Name, Admission No., Date of admission, Class and Date of Birth. (NB: Date includes Day, Month and Year) certificate of K.C.P.E and index number. An omission of any detail may lead to disqualification.

A separate form with all the details on the ID card plus the photograph be also presented to KSSSA of keeps.

6. Documentation:

For schools presenting teams, the players/ competitors must have:

• • Ministry of Education Declaration Form duly filled and signed by principal, coach and rubber-stamped with all participants details including UPI number. The Principal must commit him/ herself in writing if a student is missing on the NEMIS.
  • A copy of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, KCPE, certificate; certified by the Principal. (For form ones, they will be required to have a copy of their KCPE result slip).
  • A4 size group photo with the specified number of players for that event with only the Principal and coach posing with the players in the photo. The photo should be certified by the principal and rubber stamped at the back. A coach who is not a teacher in the school shall not sit on the bench or actively interfere with the game/team.
  • A copy of the birth certificate also certified by the principal.
  • A photo Album (Spreadsheet) certified by the Principal.
  • The school Identity Card bearing the student’s details as indicated on the team list.
  • 6 copies of team lists on school letterhead.
  • All the above documents MUST be in a file clearly labelled with school name and the discipline/game.
• 7. Under 19 years rule: Schools will also be expected to field participants who are under 19 years old in all other disciplines apart from soccer under 16. For this year, 2020;

• Under 19 players must have been born on or after 1st September, 2000.
• While, Under 16 players should have been born on or after 1st December, 2004.

KSSSA Contacts