BY PHILLIP ORWA
Kenya will play host to the 3rd edition of the African School Games in 2029 following a resolution passed at the Extraordinary Executive Committee Meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) announced that Kenya had officially been granted the hosting rights in a formal communication addressed to NOC-K by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, who confirmed the decision, citing Kenya’s demonstrated capacity, government backing, and commitment to youth development through sport.
“We are greatly honoured to communicate the historic decision to award the hosting rights of the 3rd African School Games in 2029 to the Republic of Kenya.
We are confident the event will uphold the values of the Games and even surpass the success of previous editions,” read the ANOCA letter.
Kenya’s bid to host the Games was officially submitted to ANOCA on 4th August 2025, and comes at a time when the country continues to position itself as a strategic destination for continental sporting events, development seminars, and leadership platforms.
Over the past two years, Kenya has hosted high-profile events including the ANOCA Secretary Generals and Treasurers Seminar, the Commonwealth Africa–Europe Regional Meeting, the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship, the WRC Safari Rally, and the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
These events have affirmed Kenya’s capacity, political goodwill, and the growing demand to stage sport as a unifying force for Africa’s youth.
NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki, who attended the African School Games in Algeria alongside the Secretary General John Ogolla, welcomed the decision with pride and gratitude.
“This is a historic moment for Kenya. We are humbled by the trust ANOCA has placed in us. I want to sincerely thank President Mustapha Berraf and the Executive Committee for their vote of confidence.
The 2029 Games will be more than a sporting event — they will be a continental celebration of youth, diversity, and ambition. We are excited to welcome Africa to Nairobi,” said Maluki.
NOC-K Secretary General John Ogolla echoed the sentiment, noting the bid was both technical and symbolic.
“Our expression of interest was deeply rooted in our commitment to youth empowerment. Hosting the African School Games will allow us to merge education, sport, and culture — and we are ready to deliver on that promise,” Ogolla said.
As Kenya celebrates this hosting milestone, its young athletes also gave the nation reason to be proud at the 1st African School Games, held in Algeria. Kenya’s performance was marked by resilience and podium finishes across multiple disciplines.
The first group of athletes returned to Nairobi last night, with the remaining contingent expected tomorrow.
MEDAL TALLY – 1ST AFRICAN SCHOOL GAMES
Gold Medals (5):
- David Kabaiko – Boys’ 1500m (Athletics)
- Lorna Cherono – Girls’ 3000m (Athletics)
- Clare Chepngetich – Girls’ 2000m (Athletics)
- Koeach Manases Kiprotich – Boys’ 800m (Athletics)
- Kelvin Kipgeno – Triple Jump (Athletics)
Silver Medal (1):
- Lukeman Shaffi Bakari – Boxing
Bronze Medals (5):
- Clinton Omari – Wrestling (Greco-Roman)
- Clinton Omari – Wrestling (Freestyle, 45kg)
- Vivian Adhiambo – Girls’ Wrestling (53kg)
- Mercy Eragae – Cycling (Time Trial)
- Mathenge Bramwel – 110m Hurdles (Athletics)
Total: 11 Medals
This strong performance reinforces the need to continue investing in grassroots sport and Olympic education, the very pillars the 2029 African School Games aim to champion.
This comes at a time the Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced fresh plans to further upgrade Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium to meet international standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He revealed that once CHAN concludes, work will commence on installing a canopy over the Nyayo National Stadium, an upgrade aimed at elevating the facility to international status.
“Immediately after CHAN, we will do a canopy on the Nyayo National Stadium so that we can now bring it to an international facility. The journey to upgrade the infrastructure is not ending with CHAN, we will continue,” said the CS.
Kenya is jointly co-hosting the prestigious continental football showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced that the upcoming Talanta Centre Stadium will be complete by the end of this year, making Kenya a central venue for staging top-notch events.
