Kakamega School have been crowned the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national football champions after defeating St. Mary’s School Yala 3-2 in a thrilling final that was settled in extra time at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
The Western Region champions made a bright start and took an early lead through Eugene Beleti, but Yala responded strongly to level the score before halftime. The Nyanza giants then went ahead in the second half, putting Kakamega School under immense pressure as the match edged towards its conclusion.
With time running out, Kakamega refused to give up. Derrick Wanyonyi found the equaliser to force the final into extra time, setting up a tense finish between two of Kenya’s most successful school football sides. Beleti then completed his brace with the decisive goal in extra time, sparking celebrations among the Green Commandos as they reclaimed the national title.
The victory ends a seven-year wait for Kakamega School, whose last national triumph came in 2018. Their run to the championship included a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Menengai High School in the semi-finals before overcoming long-time rivals St. Mary’s Yala in what lived up to expectations as one of the tournament’s most exciting finals.
By lifting the trophy, Kakamega School have secured the right to represent Kenya at the upcoming Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games in Tanzania. St. Mary’s Yala will also qualify for the regional championship after finishing as national runners-up, capping off an impressive campaign despite falling short in the final.
