Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Brookside Dairy has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to nurturing young sporting talent in Kenya by investing KSh 30 million into the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One national games. The prestigious championship, set to be staged at Kisumu School from April 5 to 11, brings together the country’s top secondary school athletes in a week-long display of skill, passion, and competitive spirit.
This year marks the 23rd consecutive year that Brookside Dairy has partnered with KSSSA, underscoring a remarkable two-decade-plus legacy of supporting school sports in Kenya. The partnership, which began in the early 2000s, has grown into one of the most enduring and impactful collaborations between the corporate sector and youth sports in the country.
Speaking during the launch event in Nairobi on Wednesday, Brookside Dairy’s Corporate Communications Manager, Wilson Okong'o, highlighted that the company’s sponsorship goes beyond financial support. “Today marks the 23rd year in Brookside Dairy's involvement as the primary partner in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term 1 games,” Okong'o said. “Our commitment reflects the belief that sports are not just about competition but are vital pathways for youth development, talent nurturing, and building strong character among young people.”
The KSh 30 million sponsorship is set to facilitate the smooth running of the national championships, covering operational costs, logistical support, and athlete welfare. This ensures that the games, which feature athletics, basketball, hockey, and rugby 15s, proceed without hitches, giving student-athletes a platform to showcase their talent and compete for national honors. The funding also guarantees that participants receive proper nutrition, including milk provided by Brookside Dairy, ensuring peak performance during matches and events.
Okong'o noted that the sponsorship aligns closely with ongoing education reforms in Kenya, particularly the integration of sports into the competency-based curriculum (CBC). “Our initiative as Brookside Dairy is designed to strengthen the promotion of talent in sports and also create a structured pathway for our young people in their various skills on the field,” he said. He added that this approach supports government efforts to embed physical education as a critical strand within the broader creative arts and sports science faculty under CBC, fostering holistic development for students.
The 2026 KSSSA Term One games will see schools that have advanced through zonal and regional qualifiers compete for national titles across multiple disciplines. Athletics events are expected to attract some of the fastest runners in the country, while basketball and hockey competitions promise high-intensity action and strategic gameplay. Rugby 15s, a sport growing steadily in popularity at the school level, will showcase young talent that could feed into national and club-level rugby in the future.
KSSSA Secretary General, David Ngugi, lauded Brookside Dairy for remaining a dependable partner in school sports for over two decades. “Brookside have been with us for over two decades without a break,” Ngugi said. “Their support has been crucial not only in funding the competitions but also in enhancing athlete welfare and overall event organization. The milk they provide ensures that students are nourished and ready to perform at their best.”
Ngugi emphasized that the partnership’s impact goes beyond the field. “The collaboration with Brookside has helped in promoting discipline, teamwork, and leadership among students. The exposure our athletes gain from national-level competitions prepares them not just for professional sports careers but also for life skills that will serve them in various walks of life,” he said.
The Kisumu-hosted championship is expected to attract a strong turnout from schools across Kenya, highlighting the depth of talent present in the country’s secondary schools. For many students, participating in KSSSA games is a stepping stone toward national recognition and scholarships, as well as potential careers in professional sports. Beyond competition, the games provide a unique opportunity for students to interact, share experiences, and build networks with peers from different counties.
In addition to supporting competitions, Brookside Dairy has historically been involved in various developmental initiatives linked to school sports. These include talent identification programs, training camps, and nutrition drives, all aimed at improving the overall standard of school sports. By combining corporate resources with community engagement, the company has helped raise awareness about the importance of sports in education and youth development.
As the 2026 Term One national games approach, expectations are high for memorable performances, emerging stars, and moments of sheer athletic brilliance. With Brookside Dairy’s continued support, KSSSA is poised to deliver a championship that not only celebrates sporting excellence but also reinforces the values of perseverance, teamwork, and healthy competition among Kenya’s youth.
The week-long event in Kisumu will undoubtedly be a vibrant celebration of talent, energy, and national pride, providing a platform for young athletes to shine while continuing Brookside Dairy’s remarkable 23-year legacy of fostering sports development in Kenya.
This year marks the 23rd consecutive year that Brookside Dairy has partnered with KSSSA, underscoring a remarkable two-decade-plus legacy of supporting school sports in Kenya. The partnership, which began in the early 2000s, has grown into one of the most enduring and impactful collaborations between the corporate sector and youth sports in the country.
Speaking during the launch event in Nairobi on Wednesday, Brookside Dairy’s Corporate Communications Manager, Wilson Okong'o, highlighted that the company’s sponsorship goes beyond financial support. “Today marks the 23rd year in Brookside Dairy's involvement as the primary partner in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term 1 games,” Okong'o said. “Our commitment reflects the belief that sports are not just about competition but are vital pathways for youth development, talent nurturing, and building strong character among young people.”
The KSh 30 million sponsorship is set to facilitate the smooth running of the national championships, covering operational costs, logistical support, and athlete welfare. This ensures that the games, which feature athletics, basketball, hockey, and rugby 15s, proceed without hitches, giving student-athletes a platform to showcase their talent and compete for national honors. The funding also guarantees that participants receive proper nutrition, including milk provided by Brookside Dairy, ensuring peak performance during matches and events.
Okong'o noted that the sponsorship aligns closely with ongoing education reforms in Kenya, particularly the integration of sports into the competency-based curriculum (CBC). “Our initiative as Brookside Dairy is designed to strengthen the promotion of talent in sports and also create a structured pathway for our young people in their various skills on the field,” he said. He added that this approach supports government efforts to embed physical education as a critical strand within the broader creative arts and sports science faculty under CBC, fostering holistic development for students.
The 2026 KSSSA Term One games will see schools that have advanced through zonal and regional qualifiers compete for national titles across multiple disciplines. Athletics events are expected to attract some of the fastest runners in the country, while basketball and hockey competitions promise high-intensity action and strategic gameplay. Rugby 15s, a sport growing steadily in popularity at the school level, will showcase young talent that could feed into national and club-level rugby in the future.
KSSSA Secretary General, David Ngugi, lauded Brookside Dairy for remaining a dependable partner in school sports for over two decades. “Brookside have been with us for over two decades without a break,” Ngugi said. “Their support has been crucial not only in funding the competitions but also in enhancing athlete welfare and overall event organization. The milk they provide ensures that students are nourished and ready to perform at their best.”
Ngugi emphasized that the partnership’s impact goes beyond the field. “The collaboration with Brookside has helped in promoting discipline, teamwork, and leadership among students. The exposure our athletes gain from national-level competitions prepares them not just for professional sports careers but also for life skills that will serve them in various walks of life,” he said.
The Kisumu-hosted championship is expected to attract a strong turnout from schools across Kenya, highlighting the depth of talent present in the country’s secondary schools. For many students, participating in KSSSA games is a stepping stone toward national recognition and scholarships, as well as potential careers in professional sports. Beyond competition, the games provide a unique opportunity for students to interact, share experiences, and build networks with peers from different counties.
In addition to supporting competitions, Brookside Dairy has historically been involved in various developmental initiatives linked to school sports. These include talent identification programs, training camps, and nutrition drives, all aimed at improving the overall standard of school sports. By combining corporate resources with community engagement, the company has helped raise awareness about the importance of sports in education and youth development.
As the 2026 Term One national games approach, expectations are high for memorable performances, emerging stars, and moments of sheer athletic brilliance. With Brookside Dairy’s continued support, KSSSA is poised to deliver a championship that not only celebrates sporting excellence but also reinforces the values of perseverance, teamwork, and healthy competition among Kenya’s youth.
The week-long event in Kisumu will undoubtedly be a vibrant celebration of talent, energy, and national pride, providing a platform for young athletes to shine while continuing Brookside Dairy’s remarkable 23-year legacy of fostering sports development in Kenya.
