Top 15 football schools in Kenya

In Kenya, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a national obsession, a source of pride, and a powerful engine for social change.

While the spotlight often shines on professional clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, a quiet revolution has been building from the ground up, fueled by the competitive spirit of high school football.

These institutions have become the unsung heroes of Kenyan talent development, consistently producing a stream of young, disciplined, and highly-skilled players who are ready to take on the world.

This article takes a deep dive into the institutions that have earned a reputation as the country’s premier football nurseries.

We’ll explore their rich histories, their most significant achievements, and the famous alumni who have gone on to represent the national team, the Harambee Stars, and play in professional leagues around the globe.

The Unsung Heroes of Kenyan Football: The KSSSA Games

For many young footballers, the journey to the top starts with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games.

These annual tournaments are more than just a competition; they are a national festival of talent where schools battle it out for regional and national supremacy.

The KSSSA games have become a critical scouting ground for both local and international clubs, who flock to the stadiums to scout the next generation of football stars.

The beauty of this system lies in its ability to combine education and sports, ensuring that even if a student’s professional football dreams don’t materialize, they are still equipped with the academic qualifications needed to build a successful life.

The fierce rivalries, the passionate school chants, and the high-stakes matches create an environment that truly tests a player’s mental fortitude and skill under pressure.

Success at this level is a strong indicator of a player’s potential, and the best schools have built sustainable programs that consistently deliver top-tier talent.

A Legacy Forged on the Pitch: Our Top Football Powerhouses

Here’s a look at the schools and academies that have earned their place in the pantheon of Kenyan football development.

1. Kakamega High School (The Green Commandoes)

As the most decorated school in Kenyan football history, Kakamega High is a true powerhouse.

The “Green Commandoes” have won the national championship a record 12 times and are the only high school with a registered team in the National Super League (NSL), proving their ambition goes beyond the school games.

Their success dates back to the 1980s under the legendary Coach Chris Makokha, who instilled a philosophy of quick, two-touch passing that became their trademark.

The school’s legacy is carried by a long list of famous alumni, including the iconic striker Dennis Oliech, who thrilled fans with his performances for the Harambee Stars, as well as current international players like Joseph ‘Crouch’ Okumu and Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

2. St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Kitale

Emerging as a dominant force, St. Joseph’s Boys High School from Kitale proved their mettle by clinching the national championship in the 2025 KSSSA games.

Their victory is a testament to their disciplined and well-coached squad, which overcame fierce competition to be crowned the best in the country.

They are now officially the most recent national champions, a title that puts them in a prominent position among Kenya’s top footballing institutions.

3. St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale (The Solidarity Boys)

St. Anthony’s has established a formidable dynasty in recent years.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Peter Mayoyo, the “Solidarity Boys” have consistently been a force to be reckoned with, winning the national championship six times and the East African championship once.

Their most recent triumph came in the 2023 KSSSA final, where they defeated Dagoretti High School in a thrilling 2-0 match, securing their sixth national title.

Their focus on structured training and youth development has paid off, with former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Mukaisi being one of their notable products.

4. Highway Secondary School

Highway Secondary is the embodiment of a rising star in Kenyan school football.

Known as a “giant slayer,” they’ve made a name for themselves by taking down established powerhouses, including a memorable victory against Ugandan giants St. Mary’s Kitende.

The team is particularly notable for being guided by Coach Beldine Odemba, a trailblazing female coach who also heads the Harambee Starlets (Kenya’s senior women’s national team) and the Kenya Police Bullets.

Under her expert tutelage, Highway reached the finals of both the 2022 FEASSSA tournament and the 2022 KSSSA finals, showcasing their incredible talent and discipline.

5. Dagoretti High School

Located in the heart of Nairobi, Dagoretti High has solidified its reputation as one of the capital’s finest footballing institutions.

The school has become a consistent contender at the KSSSA championships, thanks to its well-organized program and access to a vast pool of urban talent.

Dagoretti’s resilience was on full display in both the 2019 and 2023 national finals, where they finished as runners-up, proving their mettle against the very best.

Their consistent performance has made them a prime destination for scouts looking for polished, city-bred talent.

6. Ebwali Secondary School

Hailing from Vihiga County, Ebwali’s story is one of rapid and remarkable success.

In just their second appearance at the national level, they shocked everyone by being crowned the 2022 KSSSA football champions.

This incredible feat was a testament to their passion and tactical discipline, as they built on their third-place finish in the 2019 edition to lift the most coveted trophy in Kenyan school sports.

Their victory served as an inspiration to every school dreaming of national glory.

7. Musingu High School

Musingu has established itself as a top-tier contender, consistently reaching the final stages of the KSSSA championships.

Their impressive back-to-back performances as runners-up in both the 2024 and 2025 tournaments highlight their technical prowess and ability to perform under pressure.

Musingu’s sustained excellence makes them a team to watch in future competitions.

8. Shanderema Secondary School

Emerging from the formidable footballing region of Western Kenya, Shanderema has become a national force.

Their consistent, top-four finishes in recent years, including securing third place in both the 2024 and 2025 KSSSA games, showcases their talent and strategic gameplay.

They are a team that consistently challenges the very best and deserves their place among the elite.

9. Agai Mixed Secondary School

Agai has proven to be a reliable and resilient team on the national stage.

Their ability to consistently compete at the highest level is demonstrated by their strong finish in the KSSSA championships, where they secured the fourth position in both the 2024 and 2025 tournaments.

Agai’s presence in the semifinals proves they are a force to be reckoned with.

10. Barding Boys

In the Nyanza region, the name Barding Boys is synonymous with fierce rivalry and unwavering determination.

They have a long-standing and intense rivalry with regional giants Kisumu Day.

Barding holds a unique distinction: they are the only school, apart from St. Anthony’s, to have won the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) football crown.

Their triumph in 2016, when they stunned St. Mary’s Kitende from Uganda, is considered one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history and solidified their place as a national force.

11. Kisumu Day High School

A consistent and powerful presence from the Nyanza region, Kisumu Day High School regularly competes at the national stage.

Their clashes with Barding are legendary, often drawing massive crowds.

Kisumu Day clinched the Nyanza region crown in 2022 and went on to reach the semifinals of the national 2022 edition, demonstrating their continued relevance and quality.

The school remains a key hub for football talent in Western Kenya.

12. Kabarnet Boys High School

Nestled in the heart of Kabarnet town, this school represents the Rift Valley region with pride.

They made a significant mark on the national stage by winning the Rift Valley region championship in 2022.

Their journey didn’t end there; they showcased their resilience and skill by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 national championships, a remarkable achievement that put them on the national map.

13. Agoro Sare Secondary School

As a distinguished all-boys boarding school in Homa Bay County, Agoro Sare is equally renowned for its academic excellence and its football prowess.

The school has a strong tradition of sports, and their football team has consistently performed at a high level.

They proved their quality with a valiant effort in the most recent Secondary School Games, where they reached the semifinals, demonstrating their status as a top competitor.

14. Laiser Hill Academy

Laiser Hill Academy is a modern-day sports institution, known for its structured and highly disciplined programs across various sports.

Their investment in state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching has paid off handsomely.

The school’s football team won the national title in 2016, and they are consistently shortlisted for top sports awards, a testament to their holistic approach to nurturing talent.

15. Goseta High School

A new entrant to this list, Goseta High School is quickly gaining a reputation for its grassroots football development.

Located in a region with a deep passion for the sport, the school’s program focuses on nurturing young talent from an early age, establishing itself as a promising hub for future stars.

A Look at the Champions: Recent KSSSA Football Winners

Here is a quick overview of the national champions from recent years, a list that highlights the ever-evolving nature of Kenyan school football.

Year	Champion	Notable Achievement
2025	St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Kitale	Current Champions
2024	Highway Secondary School	Giant Slayer Victory
2023	St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale	6th National Title
2022	Ebwali Secondary School	Cinderella Story
2021	No Tournament	COVID-19 Pandemic
2020	No Tournament	COVID-19 Pandemic
2019	St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale	Dominant Display
2016	Laiser Hill Academy	Modern Academy Success

Detailed KSSSA National Football Results

Here are the top finishers from the most recent tournaments.

Position	2025 Tournament	2024 Tournament
1st	St Joseph’s Boys	Highway Secondary School
2nd	Musingu	Musingu
3rd	Shanderema	Shanderema
4th	Agai	Agai

More Than Just a Game: Shaping the Future of Kenyan Football

The impact of these schools extends far beyond the final whistle.

They are the essential pipeline that feeds talent into the Kenyan Premier League and, ultimately, the national team.

Players like Alpha Onyango, who honed his skills at Kakamega High School before becoming a key midfielder for Gor Mahia and the Harambee Stars, are living proof of this system’s success.

This journey, from a school pitch to the international stage, is the dream of every young player and the promise that these institutions offer.

“The future of Kenyan football lies not in expensive academies or foreign coaches, but in the dedication of our secondary school teachers and coaches who work tirelessly to nurture young talent across the country.”

Conclusion

The story of Kenyan football is deeply intertwined with its school and academy system.

These institutions are the bedrock of the sport, providing not only the skills but also the discipline and character needed to succeed.

From the record-breaking success of Kakamega High to the recent rise of Ebwali, the diversity and quality of talent being developed across the country is truly inspiring.

The future of the Harambee Stars and the entire Kenyan footballing ecosystem rests on the shoulders of these young players and the dedicated coaches and teachers who nurture them every day.

The next generation of stars is already on the pitch, and the world is watching.