Lacrosse set for official school debut as Kenya eyes growth and Olympic ambitions

Kenya Lacrosse Federation vice president Fred Osore says the sport’s inclusion in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association calendar marks a major shift from pilot programmes to a structured national pathway.

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The move follows successful trials at last year’s national championships and the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games.

The federation plans to roll out regional qualifiers ahead of the national championships, aiming to boost participation and strengthen East African representation.

Osore noted that the federation spent several seasons testing lacrosse within the school system.

“This is a very important milestone because it gives lacrosse an official competition platform in schools,” he said. “We tested it at the nationals and at FEASSA, and the feedback was very positive. Now that it is officially in the calendar, we expect the numbers to rise quickly.”

Locally, lacrosse is still in its formative stages but is showing steady growth. Federation data indicates about 600 to 700 active players across at least 10 high schools currently running structured programmes, with more institutions expressing interest.

The sport has also been introduced at the tertiary level, with six universities — including Kenyatta University, USIU, Daystar University, Kabianga, Kibabii, and Kaimosi — running lacrosse programmes.

The long-term strategy has always aimed at integration within KSSSA, providing a clear pathway from schools to national teams and regional competition.

“Inclusion in KSSSA means the sport now has a clear structure from grassroots to the national teams,” Osore said. “Once schools play regularly, the university leagues become stronger and the national teams benefit from a wider talent pool.”

The federation has also targeted expansion, planning to introduce lacrosse in at least 15 more high schools and 15 universities, with the Ministry approving 40 institutions for school-level rollout.

Kenya has already gained international exposure, sending teams to the 2019 World Lacrosse Under-19 Girls Championship in Canada and the Under-21 men’s championship in Ireland.

Osore highlighted that school-level competitions address one of the sport’s biggest challenges — access and player numbers — in a country where equipment shortages have slowed growth.

“Our focus now is growth and consistency,” he said. “With regular school competitions, we will have more players, more coaches, and a stronger league system feeding the national teams.”

The federation also sees structured youth competitions as critical to Kenya’s Olympic ambitions, with lacrosse set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.