The 2026 KSSSA National Term Two Games have produced a fascinating boys’ football semi-final line-up, with traditional powerhouse Kakamega High School joined by debutants St. Mary’s School Yala, Menengai High School and historic surprise package Takaba Mixed Secondary School in the last four at the M-PESA Foundation Academy in Thika.

Kakamega High School, chasing a record-extending 13th national title, will face Menengai High School in Wednesday’s first semi-final, setting up a clash between a returning giant and a side that only secured its place at the nationals after a dramatic change in the Rift Valley qualification picture.

The Green Commandos have been among the standout teams since returning to the national stage after an eight-year absence. They swept Group B with a perfect nine points, reinforcing their credentials with another impressive performance on the final day, beating Baricho High School 4-1.

Their commanding group campaign has kept alive hopes of a triumphant return for the Western giants, who arrived in Thika with an outstanding season record and have quickly reminded rivals of their pedigree.

Menengai’s route to the semi-finals has been considerably more dramatic. The Rift Valley representatives finished level on six points with St. Mary’s Yala and Highway Secondary School in Group A, with the final qualification places eventually decided through the tie-break procedures.

Menengai only entered the national championship after Tenwek High School, the original Rift Valley champions, were disqualified over allegations of fielding over-age players. They have made the most of the opportunity, recovering from an opening defeat to Yala before forcing their way into the knockout stage.

They confirmed their semi-final credentials on the final day by dismantling former champions Tononoka High School 4-1, a result that secured their place in the last four.

The second semi-final will feature perhaps the most intriguing pairing of the tournament, with St. Mary’s School Yala taking on Takaba Mixed Secondary School.

Yala’s dream debut suffered its first setback on the final day when Highway Secondary School handed the Nyanza champions a 2-0 defeat. The result ended Yala’s remarkable unbeaten run, which had stretched from the sub-county, county and Nyanza regional championships into their first two matches at the national finals.

Despite the setback, the Black Saints had already done enough in their earlier matches to secure a place in the semi-finals and had also booked their ticket to the FEASSA Games.

Their qualification caps a remarkable first appearance at the national championship for a side that had remained unbeaten throughout their entire journey to Thika. They will now have an opportunity to go a step further by reaching the national final.

Standing in their way is Takaba Mixed Secondary School, who have become the biggest surprise package of the tournament.

The North Eastern representatives made history by becoming the first school from the region to reach the KSSSA national football semi-finals. They secured second place in Group B with six points, eliminating Eastern champions Tumaini High School and hosts Baricho High School from the title race.

Takaba ended the group stage in style, defeating Tumaini 4-0 on the final day to underline their growing confidence and make their semi-final qualification even more convincing.

The four remaining teams now have an opportunity to move within touching distance of the national crown.

For Kakamega, it is a chance to mark their return with another title. Menengai are looking to make the most of a late route into the competition. Yala are chasing a historic maiden national championship, while Takaba are already rewriting the history of North Eastern school football.

With tradition, redemption and history all converging in Thika, Wednesday’s semi-finals promise to be among the most intriguing encounters of this year’s KSSSA championship.