Former Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) handball girls’ champions, St Joseph’s Kitale, and Saniak Boys kicked off their campaigns with victories on the opening day of the Rift Valley Region Secondary Schools Sports Association games.   

The three-day event, hosted at Chebisaas Boys, brings together teams from 14 counties as schools battle for Term One titles ahead of the national championships in Mombasa.   

In a thrilling Pool A encounter, Saniak Boys defeated Kericho Day 31-16. Team captain and goalkeeper Humphrey Kibet expressed confidence in their title defence.   

“We are here to win. We are confident we can retain our title, though Kamito will be our biggest challenger, and we are ready for them,” said Kibet.   

In Pool B, St Joseph’s Kitale dominated their first match, thrashing Anin from Elgeyo Marakwet County 54-13.   

Captain Tebby Nalia emphasised their goal to maintain a winning streak while improving their speed.   

“Our target is to win all our matches, and in the next games, we will focus on increasing our pace,” said Nalia.   

Team manager Edwin Adamba recalled last year’s narrow loss to Murindiko, which cost them the title.   

“We are back again, having corrected last year’s mistakes. Our target is to win all our matches,” said Adamba, adding that Nasokol is their main challenger, but they are well-prepared.   

In other handball boys’ matches, Kabartonjo from Baringo edged out Siwot from Bomet 26-20 in Pool C. Meanwhile, in Pool B of the girls’ category, Rongena from Narok defeated AIC Moi Girls from Samburu 22-9.   

In hockey boys’ Pool A, hosts Chebisaas were held to a goalless draw by Ndururumo from Laikipia.   

The athletics events, set for Thursday and Friday at the University of Eldoret Pavilion, will kick off with the girls’ 5,000m race walk, followed by various track and field competitions.