Education Ministry Cracks Down on Age Cheating and Doping in School Sports
Education Updated: 07 April 2026 15:45 EAT
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok when he joined students and fans at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu County to officiate the curtain-raiser rugby 15s match between St. Mary’s Yala (Nyanza) and Al
The Ministry of Education has announced a crackdown on age cheating and doping in school sports, warning that teachers who facilitate such practices will face disciplinary action. Principal Secretary Julius Bitok made the announcement during the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national championships in Kisumu.
PS Bitok emphasized that falsifying athletes’ ages and using performance-enhancing substances undermines the integrity of school sports and compromises fair competition. He said the ministry is committed to promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct among student athletes.
Teachers found abetting age cheating or doping will face disciplinary proceedings under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regulations. Bitok noted that adults in positions of authority have a duty to safeguard students’ welfare, not compromise it for competitive advantage.
The directive comes during the KSSSA Term One Games, running from April 4 to April 11, featuring athletics, rugby 15s, basketball, hockey, handball, and cross-country events across Kisumu. The ministry said compliance with eligibility rules will be closely monitored.
Past competitions have faced irregularities in athlete registration, including age discrepancies, prompting the ministry to strengthen verification mechanisms. School sports officials have been urged to maintain transparent and accurate athlete records.
Doping was highlighted as a serious concern, with PS Bitok warning that the use of prohibited substances can have long-term health effects on students and violates the principles of education and youth development.
Schools hosting events have been instructed to conduct strict compliance checks on athlete identities and medical certifications. Coaches are being reminded to focus on training and discipline rather than illicit performance enhancements.
The ministry’s firm stance is intended to restore confidence in school sports, uphold fairness, and ensure the well-being of young athletes across the country, signaling zero tolerance for malpractice in school competitions.
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FELIX MAKONA
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