What has been shocking is the turn of events bestowed upon Kabarnet High School, which was barred from participating in KSSSA games until 2027.
The Ministry imposed the ban after a scandal involving player eligibility came to light after a complaint by St. Joseph’s Kitale and Laiser Hill Academy.
The probe discovered that four players in Kabarnet High School’s first team were not its real students.
Out of these, two were old students, one was a teacher employed by the Board of Management, and the fourth one had no record at this institution.
Moreover, none of the players had birth certificates or any other identification document needed to prove their eligibility.
It therefore means the team manager has equally suffered a four-year ban from KSSSA activities.
The exclusion of the school from the KSSSA games until 2027 is a very firm warning to any form of indiscipline and rule-breaking in school sports.
Immediately after the ban, Arnesens School has been called up to replace Kabarnet Boys in the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Laiser Hill Academy.
In view of the controversy, Kabartonjo Boys have been declared champions of Baringo County; however, this declaration would not affect the ongoing games.
It has apologised over the matter and declared an intent to dispatch an apology letter to Kabarnet High. The association indicated that fair play and integrity needed to be guaranteed in school sports and also added that such conduct breaches would not be accepted.