Efforts aimed at growing the game of cricket locally received a major boost after the Ministry of Education decided to introduce the sport in secondary school games. On Thursday, the Ministry of Education informed all county and regional directors of education of the decision.
For a long time, Cricket Kenya has pushed for the inclusion of cricket in the secondary school sports calendar. The move marks an important step towards strengthening grassroots development and expanding participation among young players.
“The purpose of this circular is to inform you that cricket is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, you are requested to give Cricket Kenya the necessary assistance they may require in promoting the activity.”
Nelson Sifuna, Directorate of Field Coordination and Co curricular Activities
The letter was signed by the head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co curricular Activities, Nelson Sifuna. It stated that the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association will organise how cricket will be included in ESSA competitions, either through a pilot phase or a phased implementation framework. The circular was signed by Sifuna on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok. The letter was also copied to Cricket Kenya Chief Executive Officer Ronald Bukusi.
Cricket Kenya’s Long Campaign
Cricket Kenya has been pushing for cricket’s inclusion in secondary school games since 2023. Last year, the campaign gained momentum after the Ministry of Education selected cricket as one of the sports for demonstration at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association event held in Kakamega. The other sports selected for demonstration were lacrosse and beach volleyball. The event provided an opportunity to introduce the game to more students and schools in the region.
Expanding Grassroots Talent Development
On Saturday, Bukusi welcomed the inclusion of cricket in secondary school games, noting that it would expand the sport’s grassroots base and create a pathway for talent development.
“Inclusion of cricket in secondary school games opens a whole world of possibilities for us. With the backing of the Ministry of Education, it is now easier to engage school principals to introduce cricket in their institutions. Before it was difficult, because we CK were like a private entity.”
Ronald Bukusi, Chief Executive Officer
Kenya’s cricket fortunes have declined over the years due to leadership wrangles and poor talent development structures. Although the country once had a strong presence in international cricket, progress has slowed in recent years. Kenya featured in five editions of the International Cricket Council World Cup from 1996 to 2011.
Planning the School Cricket Competitions
Bukusi said Cricket Kenya officials will meet with representatives from the Ministry of Education to develop a strategy for introducing the sport into the secondary school games roster. Among the issues to be discussed are the school term during which the cricket competitions will be held and the format of play that will be adopted. At last year’s Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association event in Kakamega, cricket attracted boys and girls teams from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. A wicket was constructed at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, where learners competed in the T10 format rather than the usual T20 or One Day International formats. In cricket, T10 is played over 10 overs per side, while T20 is played over 20 overs per side. One Day International matches are played over 50 overs per side.
Training Teachers to Support School Cricket
Bukusi said Cricket Kenya will focus on training more teachers so they can effectively coach students in the sport. Developing coaching capacity within schools will be key to ensuring that the introduction of cricket is successful and sustainable. With trained teachers, schools will be better equipped to nurture young talent and promote the sport among students.
