In August, as the vibrant town of Kakamega prepares to host the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association’s signature event, the 2025 FEASSA Games, a fresh tide will sweep onto its courts—beach volleyball, making its much-anticipated entry. For athletes and enthusiasts alike, this marks far more than a new discipline on the schedule; it’s a moment of evolution, of recognition, of hope for a new generation of student-athletes finding their stride in the sand.
The historical leap for student-athletes
It was on a Tuesday, within the walls of Kenya’s Ministry of Education headquarters at Jogoo House, where this future was set in motion. The decision to introduce beach volleyball, alongside chess, cricket, scrabble, and lacrosse, signals a deliberate expansion of the FEASSA Games’ sporting horizon. Mr. Nelson M. Sifuna, Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities, presided over the crucial meeting that brought together school sports and education leadership. In his own words, “This is a landmark decision that speaks volumes about the evolution of sports in our education system.” It’s a phrase that captures the significance of the moment for both participants and the broader East African community.
The inclusion of beach volleyball is more than an administrative gesture: it’s a direct response to the growing enthusiasm of young athletes. As the popularity of the sport has surged across the region, so has the demand for opportunities on bigger stages. Student-athletes now have a platform where agility, resilience, and teamwork can shine under the sun, quite literally on the sands of Kakamega.
Behind the scenes: Champions of the sand
The road to Kakamega’s historic moment has been paved by visionaries and leaders deeply invested in youth sports. Among them are representatives from the Kenya Volleyball Federation and those steering the Beach Volleyball Commission. Chairman Moses Mbuthia and Coach Patrick Owino stood out at the meeting, receiving recognition for their dedication to nurturing the sport’s foundations in the region. Their commitment echoes in the growing number of school players tackling beach volleyball’s unique demands—quicker reflexes, acute tactical awareness, and a camaraderie forged in the face of wind and sand.
The drive for diversification and inclusivity
One of the most compelling aspects of this new chapter is the broader context: diversity and inclusivity now take center stage at the FEASSA Games. Alongside beach volleyball’s debut, games like chess, cricket, scrabble, and lacrosse have also been approved. This strategy is not simply about new medals; it’s about creating avenues for different types of talent. Some students find confidence in mental battles over chessboards, others in endurance on cricket pitches, and now, in the strategic dynamism of beach volleyball courts.
- this is how it’s done – it mirrors the evolving interests of young athletes and communities,
- this is how it’s done squared – it paves the way for future programs that break away from traditional molds,
- this is how it’s done cubed – and it broadens the reach of sport into more schools and lives across the region.
| CASINO | BONUS | INFO | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
bonus
New players get 40 free spins and a Ksh 200 freebet!
See 6 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000665 PG 0000405 Good combination of online casino and betting platform |
|
||
|
bonus
Bonus on 1st deposit: Free Bet up to 10,000 KES
See 3 Bonuses
|
info
BCLB 0000794 Licensed betting platform with a variety of bonuses and high odds |
|
||
|
bonus
Claim up to 88,000 KES bonus after 20 losing bets!
See 10 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000683 Industry-leading software providers, over 30 casino games, BCLB license |
|
||
|
bonus
Earn points for cash rewards on popular games!
See 7 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000689 PG 0000414 Amazing Android app, sleek and user-friendly site, and over 1000 casino games |
|
Community impact and the promise of Kakamega
Kakamega itself is ready to play host to thousands of dreams converging on its courts and fields. The introduction of beach volleyball at the 2025 FEASSA Games isn’t just an entry in a schedule—it’s an invitation to local youth to see themselves on a bigger stage. It brings with it the potential for local economic stimulation and cultural exchange, and perhaps even the birth of future Olympians who first tasted the grit of competition on home sand. For local clubs and families, the significance is profound—a visible pipeline from aspiration to achievement, rooted in their own neighborhoods.
The voices behind the movement
“The growing interest in beach volleyball among young athletes shows the future is getting brighter,” said Mr. Sifuna. It’s a sentiment shared by athletes, coaches, and school leaders who have long championed not just participation but excellence. With the infrastructure and organizational partnerships now solidly in place, the 2025 FEASSA Games are poised to fulfill those ambitions.
The efforts of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, especially leaders like Mr. Mbuthia and Coach Owino, represent more than just administrative success—they reflect years of grassroots development, tireless training, and building a culture where sand, sweat, and sportsmanship thrive together. Their work ensures that when the whistles blow in Kakamega this August, it won’t be only about points on the scoreboard, but about paving the way for new heroes and new narratives in the region’s sporting annals.
Beach volleyball in the East African sporting landscape
Look beyond the boundaries of Kakamega, and the significance of beach volleyball’s debut at the FEASSA Games comes into sharper relief. It’s a nod to global trends, where the sport has captured attention for its dynamic action and vibrant fan communities. At the school level, introducing this sport bridges local traditions with modern, international tastes and opportunities. Students across the region—whether watching or playing—now see themselves linked to a larger movement, embodying both regional pride and international aspirations.
More than medals or records, these games have always been about character. Every athlete stepping into the sand this August represents a story: early morning practices, challenging team drills, personal sacrifices, and the enduring optimism that comes with wearing a school jersey among peers and rivals. The debut of beach volleyball will not only crown champions but will also ignite lifelong passions and friendships, creating ripples that extend far beyond the games themselves.
The road ahead for school sports in East Africa
The decision to introduce beach volleyball at the 2025 FEASSA Games in Kakamega isn’t just about sport—it’s about future possibilities. It challenges schools, federations, and communities to invest in modern sporting infrastructure and coaching. Perhaps most importantly, it serves as inspiration: a visible testament to the evolving landscape of East African school sports and the doors that inclusive, forward-thinking decisions can open.
As the anticipation builds, one thing is certain—when the sand settles in Kakamega after the last match point, the stories of these student-athletes will have etched a significant new chapter in FEASSA history. And as always, beyond the results and the medals, it is the courage to dream and the discipline to pursue those dreams that will truly define this historic occasion.
