Team Kenya will set up camp at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret to prepare for the upcoming World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Tokyo from September 13 to 21.
The relocation from Nairobi to Eldoret was necessitated by the unavailability of Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums, which will be in use for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) that Kenya is co-hosting with Tanzania and Uganda between August 2 and 30.
Speaking during the unveiling of the 58-member national squad, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the team, both in training and during the global event. Mvurya praised the high level of competition witnessed at the trials held at Ulinzi Sports Complex, urging athletes to represent Kenya with pride and discipline.
“This year’s trials have shown the kind of depth we have. The government is fully behind this team, and we are putting all measures in place to ensure success in Tokyo,” he said.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei echoed the confidence, describing the team as “a squad of champions” selected strictly on merit. He noted that the team emerged from a competitive selection process involving over 150 athletes, with the top two in each event qualifying automatically and a third picked by selectors.
The final squad includes Olympic and world champions such as Faith Kipyegon, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chebet, Mary Moraa, Ferdinand Omanyala, and Faith Cherotich.
Tuwei also thanked corporate sponsors for their continued support, noting the impact of the ‘Road to Tokyo’ campaign launched last year. Senior sports figures including outgoing NOCK President Dr. Paul Tergat, National Assembly Sports Committee Chair Dan Wanyama, and Director of Sports Jaxon Indakwa attended the trials.
Written By Rodney Mbua
