By Eric Omuombo and Elizabeth Ochogo
SIAYA and Makueni counties have stamped their authority as Kenya’s premier sporting powerhouses after dominant, title-laden performances at the 11th edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games 2026 held in Laikipia County.
The week-long tournament, which kicked off on April 13 and drew participation from over 20 counties, culminated on Saturday, April 19, with Siaya emerging as the overall standout, clinching an impressive six titles, while Makueni followed closely with four.
Siaya County, under the stewardship of Governor James Orengo, delivered a near-flawless campaign, dominating multiple disciplines. The county swept titles in women’s football, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, and both men’s and women’s handball.
Their women’s volleyball team delivered one of the tournament’s defining performances, overpowering Nandi in a gripping final. Despite early pressure, Siaya rallied with tactical precision to secure a commanding straight-sets victory, reaffirming their national dominance. The team had earlier dismantled hosts Laikipia 3-0 in the semi-finals.
In football, Siaya’s women’s side surged to gold, while the county’s handball teams—both men and women—completed a clean sweep, underlining the region’s depth of talent and preparation.
The victorious contingent was guided by Director of Sports Sanmac Okoth and Deputy Director John Angawa, whose leadership proved instrumental in shaping a disciplined and high-performing squad.
Handball coach Geophrey Odeny praised his players’ tactical execution and unity:
“We played according to our game plan. We perfected blocking, setting, and receiving—that made the difference. This team showed resilience and depth.”
Makueni County also delivered a powerful statement, securing four titles across key disciplines. The county clinched the men’s football trophy, dominated the 5×5 basketball for both men and women, and added the 3×3 women’s basketball title to their haul.
Their men’s football triumph capped a consistent run, while their basketball teams showcased superior coordination and offensive efficiency throughout the tournament.
KYISA 2026 highlighted a growing competitive edge among Kenya’s counties, with traditional heavyweights and emerging teams pushing each other to higher standards. Siaya’s approach—arriving not as participants but as tactical contenders—was evident across all fixtures, signaling a structured investment in youth sports development.
Director of Sports Sanmac Okoth summed up the county’s ambition:
“We came with one goal—to lift titles. The results speak for themselves. Siaya is going back home with pride and trophies.”
The latest triumph reshuffles the pecking order following a fiercely contested Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games 2025, where Makueni and Homa Bay dominated headlines.
Homa Bay, led by Governor Gladys Wanga, had clinched multiple titles, including men’s volleyball and football, while their women’s basketball team stunned Makueni to win gold in their debut appearance.
Makueni’s men’s basketball team also impressed last year, defeating Homa Bay 74-54 in the finals, setting the stage for the fierce rivalries witnessed in 2026.
With Siaya and Makueni now firmly atop the KYISA hierarchy, the 2026 edition signals a new era of structured talent development, competitive depth, and regional pride in Kenyan sports.
As the curtain falls on a thrilling Laikipia tournament, attention now turns to sustaining momentum, nurturing grassroots talent, and preparing for even fiercer contests in the next edition.
For Siaya and Makueni, however, KYISA 2026 will be remembered as the moment they didn’t just compete—but conquered.
