By Dennis Weche 
Kenya has been crowned overall winner of the 22nd Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, which concluded on Friday in Kakamega after ten days of competition.
The regional championship brought together student-athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, with thousands of fans filling Bukhungu Stadium and other satellite fields across the county. The atmosphere turned Kakamega into a hub of school sports and cultural exchange.
This was the first time Kakamega hosted the FEASSA Games, nearly a decade after Kenya last staged the event in Eldoret in 2016. On that occasion, Kenya also finished top of the medal standings.
The closing ceremony was attended by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who praised the Games as “a celebration of youth talent and East African unity.” He added that the event had boosted the county’s economy, noting that hotels were filled to capacity and local businesses reported brisk sales.
Uganda takes football titles
Football, the most closely followed sport of the tournament, produced mixed fortunes for the host nation. Uganda secured a double victory as St. Noa Girls won the girls’ crown and Bukedea Comprehensive defeated Kenya’s Musingu High School 2-1 in the boys’ final at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
Kenya dominates in rugby and volleyball
Kenya, however, excelled in other disciplines. Volleyball champions Kwanthanze Girls and Cheptil Boys both retained their titles, while St. Peter’s Mumias won the rugby sevens tournament and Kisii High School captured the 15s trophy. Uganda’s Jinja SS took gold in the girls’ rugby sevens.
Highlights in hockey, handball, and netball
St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale secured another gold for Kenya in hockey, while Uganda’s Kakungulu Memorial won the boys’ division. In handball, Moi Girls Kamusinga and Kimilili Boys extended Kenya’s dominance, while in netball, Uganda’s St. Mary’s Kitende showed why they remain the region’s powerhouse.
Rwanda’s basketball breakthrough
Rwanda recorded its best-ever performance in basketball, securing a historic double. APE Rugunga won the boys’ 3×3 tournament and ITS Kigali claimed the 5×5 title. On the girls’ side, Kenya’s Ng’iya triumphed in 3×3, while Uganda’s St. Noa added to their medal tally by taking the 5×5 championship.
Final standings
By the close of the Games, Kenya had collected eight gold titles to finish top of the medal table. Uganda followed with six, Rwanda with two, while Tanzania and Burundi did not register any gold medals.
Rank Country Gold Titles
🥇 1 Kenya 8
🥈 2 Uganda 6
🥉 3 Rwanda 2
4 Tanzania 0
5 Burundi 0
Legacy for Kakamega
Beyond the competition, the Games left a visible mark on Kakamega. Local cultural troupes performed in between fixtures, creating a carnival atmosphere that extended beyond the stadiums.
FEASSSA President Justus Mugisha described the Kakamega edition as “one of the most vibrant in recent years,” adding that the tournament continues to serve as a stepping stone for young athletes aspiring to professional careers.
As athletes and fans departed, one message was clear: while Kenya celebrated overall victory, the greater triumph lay in the unity, friendships, and sporting spirit that defined this year’s FEASSA Games.
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