Chess, scrabble debut as FEASSA 2025 expands in Kenya

The 2025 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, set for August in Kakamega City, Kenya, promise to be the largest and most inclusive edition since the competition's inception in 2002.

For the first time in the event’s history, chess and Scrabble have been added to the roster of competitive disciplines, increasing the number of physically-engaged sports from 14 to 16.

These brain games will now join traditional favorites such as athletics, football, basketball (3x3 and 5x5), volleyball, swimming, rugby (7s and 15s), handball, table tennis, netball, hockey, badminton, and lawn tennis.

Beach volleyball, beach soccer, and lacrosse will also feature as demonstration sports, offering athletes and spectators a glimpse of events that could become permanent in future editions.

The expansion was confirmed following a successful one-day inspection visit to Kenya by Mr. Justus Mugisha, President of FEASSA and Chairperson of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).

“I am happy to have completed my one-day evaluation tour of Kenya ahead of the 2025 FEASSA Games in Kakamega,” Mugisha said.

“I’m proud of the Ministry of Education and the hosting association for their commitment and look forward to a successful championship.”

During his visit, Mugisha—accompanied by senior officials from FEASSA and the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA)—met with Ambassador Dr. Julius Bitok, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Basic Education. The meeting highlighted Kenya’s strong government support and commitment to delivering a world-class, inclusive event.

Uganda will be represented by top-performing schools such as Buddo Secondary School, St. Mary’s Kitende, Bukedea Comprehensive School, and Amus College School, with more teams expected from across East Africa.

In addition to the competition, a Pan-African Symposium on School Sports will take place alongside the games. The symposium will provide a platform to discuss the role of school sports in educational development and regional integration.

Dignitaries expected to attend include presidents of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and the Federation of African School Sports (FASS), among other prominent figures.