What began as weekend training sessions at the Nakuru Athletics club (NAC) has propelled Nakuru West Primary School to the East African podium.

The young rugby team has defied the odds and earned a historic spot in the East African Junior School Championships, after a sensational debut at the National Term 1 JSS Championships held in Likoni, Mombasa, between April 5 and 12.

For a school that had never competed at this level before, their rise is nothing short of inspiring.

Nakuru West JSS team training at the Nakuru Athletics Club on April 23, alongside other Age Grade players ahead of their East African Championship in August 2025

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We’ve always believed in our potential, but to qualify for the East African stage in our very first attempt still feels surreal,” says Olivia Igadwa , the school’s Junior Secondary School (JSS) head coach.

Further adding that, this is a proud moment not just for the school, but for every student who has trained, fallen, and risen again over the years.

Rugby was only recently introduced to the JSS sports calendar, but that didn’t stop Nakuru West from preparing long before the rules changed.

Igadwa notes that since 2019, she has been building this team.

Olivia Igadwa , Nakuru West Junior Secondary School (JSS) head coach and Nakuru RFC Age Grade coach at the NAC on April 23, ahead of the East African JSS Championship in August 2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We trained every Saturday and Sunday at NAC with the Age Grade group. Our vision was always bigger than the boundaries we had,” she says with vigour.

Their journey to the national stage was as intense as it was inspiring. After conquering Heshima Primary at the cluster level and Molo in the sub-county face-off, Nakuru West went on to deliver a stunning 24–0 win against St. Joseph JSS from Transzoia in the regionals, earning their golden ticket to Nationals.

“Nationals was a turning point,” says Igadwa. “We faced top teams from across the country—beating seven regions including Nyanza and North Eastern regions. We eventually played against the Coastal region in the finals.”

Though they narrowly lost the final match 5–0, both teams secured qualification for the East African Championships set for August in Eldoret.

For Nakuru West, the loss was just the beginning of a bigger story and the rewards are already rolling in.

“High schools are scouting our players, offering them sports scholarships,” Igadwa shares proudly.

“It’s proof that when schools invest early in training and discipline, the opportunities are limitless. This is something other schools can replicate.”

Nakuru West JSS player Brian Mose makes a ball carry for his team during their training at NAC ahead of their East African Championship in August 2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The secret to their success?

She reveals it is years of groundwork, a passionate team, and unwavering leadership.

“These players didn’t just show up and win, they have been working quietly for years. And our Head of Institution, Florence Bii, has stood by us every step of the way. She travelled to every game, cheering louder than anyone. That support made all the difference.”

As they prepare for their biggest stage yet, the young stars of Nakuru West are carrying more than just rugby hopes, they are looking to Make history as new comers in the competition but OG’s in the pitch.

“With hearts full of hope and boots ready for battle, Nakuru West Primary is not just playing for medals, they are playing for the future,” she concludes

Nakuru west primary rugby team qualifys for East African games at first attempt

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Purity Kinuthia