The second edition of the Kenya Technical Institutes National Ball Games has kicked off in Nyandarua County, bringing together students from technical training institutions across the country for three days of sporting competition. The event, running from November 5 to November 7, 2026, features football, netball, basketball and rugby for both men and women. It also includes sporting activities for students with special needs, promoting participation and inclusivity in technical institutions.
Nyandarua National Polytechnic is hosting the competition under the leadership of Chief Principal Dr Jane Gitau, with the event organised by the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI). The games are taking place at several venues across the region, including Nyandarua National Polytechnic, AHITI, Kianjata, Oljororok, Nyahururu Stadium and Laikipia University grounds.
KATTI warns against use of mercenary players
Speaking during the event, KATTI National Chairman for Sports and Recreation Idd Faraj cautioned participating institutions against fielding non-students, commonly referred to as mamuluki or mercenary players. Faraj warned that teams found engaging in the practice would face a three-year ban from the competition.
He said maintaining fairness and integrity was essential to ensuring that the games remained a genuine platform for students to showcase their sporting abilities. Faraj also revealed that consultations were underway to establish the East African Technical Training Institutions Games, which would bring together technical institutions from across the region.
The proposed competition would provide a regional platform similar to the East African Secondary Schools Games, allowing trainees to interact and compete beyond national boundaries.
PS Muoria calls for discipline and sportsmanship
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Esther Muoria, urged participants to demonstrate discipline, respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition. In a speech delivered on her behalf by Joyce Mwale from the department, Muoria said sports play an important role in shaping students’ character and promoting discipline.
She encouraged participants to respect opponents, follow competition rules and use the games to develop their talents while strengthening unity among technical training institutions.
Sports complement technical skills development
The national ball games provide students in technical institutions with an opportunity to develop their sporting abilities while building relationships with peers from other parts of the country. Beyond competition, participation in sports can help trainees develop teamwork, leadership, discipline and communication skills that are also valuable in the workplace.
The inclusion of students with special needs further highlights the importance of making extracurricular activities accessible to learners across different abilities. As technical institutions continue to focus on practical and competency-based training, sporting activities remain an important part of student development and campus life.