The past weeks have been an exciting one for the Strathmore School junior swimmers who participated in 2 major competitions. On January 31st, 2025, 10 students from our Junior High participated in individual events at Oshwal Academy Junior High in Westlands, bringing home an impressive haul of medals.

The team dominated the competition, securing 1st place in 4 events, 2nd place in 4 events, and 3rd place in 4 events. Their outstanding performance earned them the title of Best Boys Team out of 4 participating schools.

Just a day later, on February 1st, 2025, the team’s momentum continued, a larger contingent of 33 swimmers represented in the Fitknonnet Gala held at Kiota School. They had impressive results across various age groups.

The team excelled, taking 1st place in 3 age groups: 6-7, 12-13, and 14-15 years. They also secured 2nd place in 4 age groups: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15 years and 3rd place in 3 age groups: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years.

Their overall performance was rewarded with the Best Boys Team title, as well as 1st runners-up overall.
Congratulations to the talented young swimmers on their impressive achievements!

As part of its education curriculum; Strathmore School emphaises on having compulsory sports lessons across all classes in school. Day 1 sports lessons for our new pupils and students in Grades 1 and Grade 7 was full of energy and excitement; a chance to have a first exciting introductory sports lesson in school.

The Grade 1 boys were in for a treat as they were handed a soccer ball and given free rein to play and explore. From the moment the ball hit the ground, the playground came alive with eager feet chasing the ball. It was a fun-filled introduction to sports that had the stage set for more structured lessons as the term progresses.

The Grade 7 boys had a different but equally exciting challenge. Their afternoon was packed with physical fitness exercises designed to build strength, agility and endurance. From warm-ups to fitness drills, they pushed themselves to get in shape for the competitive team sports that lie ahead. There was no shortage of energy as the boys worked through every move.

The first day may have been just a taste of what’s to come, but it’s clear that these students are ready for more. With a focus on developing well-rounded athletes, we can’t wait to these young sportsmen grow.

Three cheers to the future stars of Strathmore School!

From September 24 to October 9, our primary students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 participated in an exciting round-robin football tournament to determine the champions of the Primary Interclass Football Championship!

The competition was fierce, but it was Grade 6 that emerged victorious, showcasing their impressive skills on the field. Grade 5 put up a strong fight, finishing closely behind, while Grade 4 held their own, proving they have potential for the future.

The energy and enthusiasm displayed by all the teams were truly inspiring and the level of skill and teamwork was commendable. With such talent on show, the future of football looks bright for these young players! Congratulations to all participants!

On 7th September we had a total of 26 teams for the annual U11 and U13 football tournaments. In the Under 11 years (U11) category Regis School won and in the Under 13 years (U13) category Naisula School won. The following were the individual awards:

U11 Category:

Finn (German School) – Top Scorer
James (Regis School) – Most Valuable Player
Sean Kinuthia (Strathmore School) – Best Goal Keeper

U13 Category:
Hayden Nyori (Regis School) – Top Scorer
John Wambua (Diamond Junior School) – Best Goal Keeper
Keita Abondo (Strathmore) – Most Valuable Player

2 of our boys: Curtis Kamotho and Adam Otieno, put in hard work and dedication to be selected to represent Kenya in the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association games held at Bukedea Comprehensive School in Uganda on August 24, 2024.

The air was filled with excitement and nerves as the Kenyan Schools Swim Team arrived at the venue. Curtis, with his swift strokes and determination, was ready to take on the 5 events he had entered. Adam, equally eager, lined up for his 4 events, believing he could make his country proud.

The competition was fierce, but Curtis shone brightly in the pool. He secured a remarkable silver medal in four different events: the 100m Backstroke, 200m Medley Relay, 200m Mixed Relay and the 100m Breaststroke. Only his 50m Backstroke kept him from the podium, where he finished in 4th place, just missing out on the medal.

Meanwhile, Adam also put in a solid performance. His strategy and speed earned him bronze in both the 200m Individual Medley and the 50m Breaststroke. But what made him particularly proud were his silver medals in the 100m Freestyle and as part of the 200m Medley Relay team.

As the event concluded their efforts were instrumental in securing 2nd place for the Kenyan Schools Swim Team overall.

In the end, Curtis and Adam didn’t just bring home medals; they brought back lifelong memories, making their families, school and country proud. We hope for future championships for the two swimmers and possibly more swimmers from our school.

 

Towards the end of Term 2 2024 the bustling basketball courts of Strathmore School, bubbled with excitement and enthusiasm as we hosted the Junior Secondary Schools Basketball 3 on 3 tournament. The tournament saw Strathmore’s young athletes journey through challenges that would forge unforgettable memories and deep camaraderie—not just on the court, but off of it as well.

Zonal Stage: A Display of Dominance

The tournament kicked off with the zonal games, where Strathmore School showcased a remarkable run. Their first match against Lavington was nothing short of spectacular. Strathmore, with their strategic play and teamwork, triumphed with a score of 22-2. It set a powerful tone for the tournament. The team continued their winning streak with a commanding 22-0 victory over Saint Mary’s School, followed by another overwhelming performance against Muthangari, ending that game 22-0.

As they advanced to the zonal finals, the intensity rose. The match against Makini School was thrilling, with Strathmore narrowly winning 18-16. It was a testament to their grit and determination, showcasing not just their skill but their ability to work as a cohesive unit. With the zonal title secured, smiles were wide and spirits ran high as the team celebrated their achievements together.

Sub-County Stage: A Test of Tenacity

Next came the sub-county games, where Strathmore aimed to maintain their momentum. In their first match against Westlands Primary, they managed a hard-fought victory with a score of 15-11. The competition continued against Tumshangilie Primary, which saw Strathmore clinching a straightforward win, finishing at 6-2.

The sub-county finals brought yet another challenge, but Strathmore, undeterred, faced Makini School once more. With a relentless defense and an air-tight strategy, they secured the win with a score of 10-4, further solidifying their reputation within the league.

County Stage: The Climb Gets Steeper

Having conquered the sub-county, the young athletes pressed on to compete at the county level where they represented Westlands and fought against other sub-counties. Their first match against Embakasi was a nail-biter, ending in a narrow defeat of 7-10. However, that setback didn’t deter the team. Showcasing resilience, they bounced back in their next match against Kibra, winning 9-8—this game showcased the unwavering teamwork and tenacity that Strathmore athletes are known for.

The next match against Starehe was another showcase of strategic play, concluding in a tightly contested 5-4 victory. Yet, the strain of the previous match-ups weighed on them as they faced Makadara in the quarter-finals. In a fierce battle, Strathmore fought valiantly but lost narrowly 4-6.

A Journey of Growth and Sportsmanship

While the tournament concluded with mixed outcomes, what remained was an undeniable sense of achievement and bond among the players. Coaches and teammates celebrated not just the points scored and matches won, but the journey they undertook together. Every dribble and pass had been infused with lessons in teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

The players left the tournament having learnt that even in defeat, there is victory in the growth, laughter and shared experiences that come with being part of a team.

Strathmore School’s basketball journey is a testament to the spirit of youth sports—a joyous celebration of hard work and the indomitable spirit of players.

Born in Galway, Ireland, in 1934 and educated at the Patrician Brothers’ School and St Joseph’s College, Kevin O’Byrne graduated from University College Galway with a First Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering, he worked with the ESB and with British Reinforced Concrete, before leaving for Nairobi in 1958 where he would spend the rest of his life until his passing in 2008.

In 1958 racial tensions were running high in Kenya, but Kevin arrived in Kenya with a mission to help establish what was to become Strathmore College, the first multi-racial college in East Africa. The buildings of the college are still the same ones where we are today at Strathmore School.

Kevin O’Byrne was an outstanding all-around sportsman who excelled in rugby, football, golf and tennis. He represented Kenya and East Africa as scrum-half from 1960-65.

As a multifaceted individual, Kevin contributed to the engineering aspects of the school buildings, taught mathematics when the school started in 1961, served as the first Deputy Principal of the school, helped find teachers for the school from his rugby circles and coached the first multiracial rugby team in Kenya, the Strathmore College Team, which was a formidable force in rugby. Kevin’s ability in bring people together to create a winning synergy was evident in the people he would select to setup formidable teams in: the teaching staff of the school, the school rugby teams he formed and the players from the school team who he conivnced to join the club teams he was playing for. Kevin played Scrum Half for Kenya Harlequins, Kenyan National Team and East Africa. After his playing days he transitioned to refereeing and became the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Referees Society; a top-notch rugby referee; known for his excellent game management skills on the field.

The layout of our sports fields are thanks to his efforts and they they remain unchanged since he laid them out. Kevin introduced rugby to our school and became our first coach and has been an inspiration to many generations of teachers, students and sportsmen in our school. As a coach Kevin was a no-nonsense leader who demanded the best from his players.

To celebrate Kevin’s remarkable life and achievements, on 20th July 2024, we hosted The 2024 O’Byrne Under 16 memorial 10-a-side boys Rugby tournament which had 5 teams: Sunshine Secondary School, Lenana School A, Lenana School B, Strathmore School A and Strathmore School B. All the teams were able to test each other’s strengths in a round-robin set of matches. After all the points and scores were collated at the end of the tournament, Strathmore School A were winners and Lenana School A took 2nd place. What an electrifying Saturday! We look forward to making this tournament an annual event in our school’s sporting calendar.

We also continue to pray for the eternal repose of Kevin’s soul and celebrate the lasting impact he had on our school and community.

This year’s Athletics Day was held on 12th July 2024 in 2 halves of the day. The first half was for the primary’s section track and field events and the secondary’s section was in the afternoon.

Among the notable performances this year were as follows:

Grade 1: Dennis Mwangeka who won both 100M and 200M. He was also part of the 4 by 100M, Team Nyati, that won the race. Dennis was crowned athletics champ for Grade 1s.

Grade 2: Asher Macharia who won both 100M and 200M. He was also part of the 4 by 100M, Team Ndovu, that won the race. Asher was crowned athletics champ for Grade 2s.

Grade 3: Tristan Sibuti who won both 100M and 200M. In the 100M race he was followed closely by Keith Migiro who came in second. Both Tristan and Keith formed part of the 4 by 100M, Team Simba, that won the race. Tristan was crowned athletics champ for Grade 3s.

Grade 4: Gabriel Mutwiwa won the 100M race and Feivel won the 200M race. Both were members of the Nyati team which was second in the 4 by 100M race.

Grade 5: Jaden Kinungei won 100M and 400M races. He was also 3rd in 1500M. He formed part of Team Chui which was 2nd in the 4 by 100M.

Grade 6: Lance Marrosi and Andrew Mathenge were the notable athletes. Lance won 100M, 200M and 400M. Andrew won High Jump, Long Jump and Shot Putt. Both lance and Andrew were part of the Ndovu team that came second in the 4 by 100M

Grade 7: Elrad Ombonyo won 100M and 800M.

Grade 8: Trevor Karanja won 100M and 200M. Nelson Onyango won 400M, Discuss and Shot Putt. Nelson was second in Long Jump.

Form 1: Andrew Muchigi and Leon Marrosi were notable. Andrew won 100M and 200M. Leon won 400M and 800M. Leon also came second in 100M.

Form 3: Alex Kariuki won both 100M and 200M.

Form 4: Owen Dima and Daniel Njai were notable. Owen won both 100M and 200M. Daniel won both 400M and 800M

The 2023 season has been a wild ride for Strathmore School’s U19 volleyball team. After a shaky start at the Rosslyn Volleyball tournament, they bounced back with a vengeance in the Westlands sub-county games, showcasing their remarkable resilience and determination.

The team’s journey began with a series of impressive wins in the group stage against Nairobi School, Aga Khan High School, and Farasi Lane High School. Here are the highlights:

* Strathmore School dominated Nairobi School, Aga Khan High School, and Farasi Lane High School, securing convincing wins.
* In a thrilling friendly match against German School, Strathmore School staged a remarkable comeback, winning 2-3 after losing the first two sets. The final set was a nail-biter, with Strathmore School emerging victorious.
* In the sub-county game against Nairobi School, they fought hard to secure a 2-1 win, with a thrilling 28-26 victory in the first set.

As we reflect on the season, it’s clear that our team has made incredible strides. They emerged 2nd in their group and secured a spot in the semi-finals on June 15th.

In the semi-finals, they faced Kangemi High School and although they put up a good fight, ultimately lost 0-3. This loss was a testament to their determination and never-give-up attitude.

In the 3rd and 4th place playoff against Nairobi School, our team pushed them to three sets before ultimately finishing in 4th place. Although it wasn’t the outcome they were hoping for, it was a valiant effort that showcased their growth and development throughout the season.

As we close the book on 2023, our team can hold their heads high. They’ve gained invaluable experience, honed new skills and created memories that will last a lifetime. The future is bright for this talented team and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next season!

 

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