Primary/JSS Complete County Athletics Despite Inadequate Government Funding

By Isabella Maua

The Kenya National Union of Teachers has called upon the government to increase fund allocation for sports and co-curricular activities in order to successfully nurture talents.

Speaking during the Bungoma County competitions for Primary and Junior Secondary Schools held at Kamusinga Girls High School in Kimilili, Robert Mandila, Bungoma East KNUT Secretary, decried inadequate funding for sports.

“The money allocated for co-curricular activities is ten shillings per child, hence forcing some schools to call upon parents to pay at least one hundred shillings for sporting activities,” reported Mandila.

Lack of funds has not only caused the pupils and teachers to strain and compete without adequate rest but has also forced some schools to do away with some ball games and athletics.

“Steeplechase and handball, for instance, don’t have required equipment, that aside, the winning teams are required to be in Busia by Sunday for the regional’s, meaning they’ll not have adequate rest nor time to practice for the competitions,” cited Mandila.

Despite the numerous challenges for the teams, County Primary Schools Sports Association chairperson Andrew Situma lauded the teams for their resilience and hard work.

“It’s evident that Bungoma County has the cream de la cream when it comes to athletics, and like the cross country team that has represented us well in Nakuru, make us proud as you proceed to the next levels,” he reiterated.

The County Director of Sports, Pius Ngoma, encouraged the teachers to continue identifying and nurturing sports talents besides academia.

“Our secondary schools in Bungoma are doing incredible sports out there; we should also bring out our best in both sports and academics. As a county, we are fully behind you,” affirmed Ngoma.

The regional competition is set to kick off on Monday in Busia.