DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2017.v05i12.005

Pages: 1789-1796

This paper deconstructs the belief that academic performance is the only concern that should occupy the mind of the learners in Kenyan Secondary schools. The paper argues that participation in sports among high school students has been frustrated by parents, guardians and school administrators because, according to them, participation in sports is a waste of time by students. This warped conviction has been a challenge for real sports enthusiasts in high schools who try to impress upon those concerned on the positives that participation in sports has on students’ overall outlook on life which in turn influences the academic performance. This paper aimed at assessing the impact of participation on sports on students’ academic performance. It used a case study design of Moi High School-Kabarak, Kenya. The paper targeted Form Three students who participate in sports (competitively at interschool levels) in Moi High School-Kabarak. Stratified sampling method was used to select the participants. The sample comprised 45 student athletes, footballers, volleyball players and swimmers. Data was collected using self-response questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Higher percentages were observed among students who scored 70 and above for the sports participants and no sports participants scored below 60%. All correlations were positive for the sports participation and academic performance, an indicator that active participation in sporting activities in school can help students improve their performance in class work. This implies that students’ active involvement in sports significantly and positively influences academic performance. This paper findings present significant implications for curriculum development as well as school guidance and counselling programmes.