Once-dominant Kenyan secondary schools that were giants in various sports are now struggling, with many failing to qualify for national competitions. This decline is largely attributed to changes in school administration, highlighting the crucial role school heads play in the success or failure of athletic programs.

• St Patrick's Iten, a former volleyball powerhouse, won 15 national titles consecutively in the 1970s but has struggled since 1990.
• The Green Commandos (football) and Barbarians (rugby) of Kakamega High School declined after former principal Oliver Minishi's transfer in 2017.
• Schools like Highway Secondary School, driven by principal Irungu Nduati, and St Joseph's Girls High School, Kitale, under chief principal Rosebella Orwaru, have risen to prominence due to strong administrative support.
• Kamukunji High School, which produced football stars like MacDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama, also saw its success tied to principal Peter Orero, now Kibra MP.