Gov't cracks down on teachers linked to cheating and doping in school games

Speaking during the opening of the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term One National Championships at Mamboleo Stadium, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said stern action would be taken against teachers who aid or ignore such practices. 

He noted that the Ministry of Education would forward cases to the Teachers Service Commission for disciplinary action.

“We will not tolerate any form of cheating in our school games. Any teacher found to be facilitating age cheating or doping will face disciplinary action. These practices undermine fairness and deny genuine talent the opportunity to thrive," he stated. 

The PS cautioned that age cheating and the use of banned substances give unfair advantage and lock out deserving students. 

Participation in secondary school games is limited to learners aged 19 and below, but cases of over-age players have continued to emerge as schools compete for top honours.

Authorities have also raised concern over doping, particularly in high-profile matches involving traditional rival schools. The PS said investigations have revealed that some of these practices involve collaboration between teachers, students and even members of the community.

Bitok added that this year’s competition is notable as it includes Grade 10 learners under the Competency-Based Education programme, who are pursuing the arts and sports pathway. He said the platform allows students to apply skills learned in class while building discipline and teamwork.

On funding, the PS assured schools that capitation for Term Two will be released on time after the government completes verification of student numbers. He noted that the new system will ensure resources are allocated based on accurate enrolment data, with checks to be conducted every term.

He also revealed that nearly all Grade 10 textbooks have been distributed under the one-learner-one-book policy.

“Capitation is now based on verified learner numbers, and going forward, verification will be conducted every term to ensure accurate and fair distribution of resources.”