Ministry Enforces Stringent Safety Measures for Term 2 Ballgames

Term 2 Games: Ministry Rolls Out Updated School Safety Directives

NAIROBI, Kenya — As the education sector enters the highly anticipated second term, the Ministry of Education has issued a stern, urgent reminder regarding the safety, welfare, and protection of learners participating in co-curricular activities.

With games teachers across the country currently attending regional, county, sub-county, and zonal sports clinics in preparation for the upcoming ballgames, Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has reinforced strict compliance with TSC Circular No. 3 of 2010 and TSC Circular No. 14 of 2018.

Mandatory Safety Protocols

In a directive dated February 4, 2026, addressed to all Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education, Prof. Bitok emphasized that the safety of learners is non-negotiable.

Whether during sports, drama, music, scouting, or educational excursions, all education officers and teachers must adhere to the following:

Gender-Balanced Accompaniment: Every activity involving learners must be accompanied by at least one registered teacher of the same gender as the students, with staffing numbers adjusted proportionately to the size of the learner group.

Registered Personnel Only: Only active, registered teachers are permitted to teach, train, manage, supervise, or accompany learners.

The engagement of unregistered or deregistered individuals in any capacity is strictly prohibited.

Ban on Retired Officers: Retired teachers and former government officers are barred from handling learners, training teams, or serving as officials during school events.

“Any breach of these directives will attract appropriate administrative action,” the Ministry warned, adding that these measures are essential to safeguard the dignity and safety of all students.

Preparing for the Games: Age Caps and Integrity

As teachers refine their coaching skills at various sports clinics, the Kenya Primary and Junior School Sports Association (KPJSSA) has highlighted the discipline roster for the term.

Secretary General Mamai Etiang confirmed that learners will compete in:

Primary Schools: Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Handball, and Chess (U10 and U12).

Junior Schools: Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Handball, Basketball 3×3, and Chess (U13 and U14).

Integrity and Eligibility

The Ministry has issued a final warning against the use of overage learners and “outsiders” in school competitions. To curb malpractice, strict age caps have been established:

Primary: Strictly for learners aged below 12 years.

Junior Secondary: Students must be below 15 years.

Secondary: Only students below 18 years are eligible; the participation of adults is explicitly banned.

The Ministry has declared the use of birth certificates as mandatory for all participants.

Teachers found forging or tampering with these documents will not only face disqualification but will be immediately reported to the TSC for disciplinary action.

“Teachers are the custodians of these learners,” the Ministry statement concluded.

“These guidelines must be treated with the urgency and seriousness they deserve to protect the welfare of every child in our care.”