EXTRA TIME HEROICS! Kakamega High Dethrone Musingu to Clinch Western Region Football Crown

By Emmanuel Kipkoech

Kakamega High School are the 2026 Western Region Secondary Schools boys' football champions after defeating arch-rivals Musingu High School 2-0 after extra time in a thrilling final played at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County.

The eagerly anticipated showdown ended goalless in normal time before the Green Commandos broke the deadlock in extra time, scoring twice to reclaim the regional title and end Musingu's reign as champions.

The victory also secured Kakamega High a ticket to the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term Two Games, set to take place at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika from July 28 to August 1.

Thousands of football fans filled the stadium to witness one of Kenya's fiercest school football rivalries. Among the dignitaries in attendance were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and other regional leaders.

Speaking after the match, Governor Lusaka hailed the quality of football displayed by both teams.

"The victory and the classic display we have witnessed today cement Western Kenya's position as a cradle of football talent in the country," he said.

He also underscored the need for continued investment in sports infrastructure.

"The partnership between the national and county governments in developing modern sporting facilities is key to identifying, nurturing, and growing young talent across the region," Lusaka added.

Football enthusiast Moses Wanjekeche congratulated Kakamega High for their outstanding campaign and urged football authorities to tap into school competitions for future stars.

"The Green Commandos have shown they have what it takes to challenge for the national title. FKF should also identify and nurture talented players from school competitions because this is where many of Kenya's best footballers begin their journey," he said.

Sports development experts have consistently maintained that school competitions are critical in identifying and developing young talent, providing a pathway for players to progress into professional football.

In the girls' category, Archbishop Njenga Girls High School defeated Butere Girls 2-1 to lift the Western Region title and book their place at the KSSSA National Term Two Games in Thika.