A large contingent of Team Kenya has safely arrived in Accra ahead of the forthcoming Africa Senior Athletics Championships, with the mood in camp already signaling confidence, unity, and determination.
Led by Chief Coach Julius Kirwa, the team held a light training session at the offside track of University of Ghana, located just a short distance from the Games Village where athletes and officials from across Africa are accommodated.
The atmosphere in camp remains positive, with athletes expressing belief in Kenya’s ability to once again dominate the continental stage. One of Kenya’s key hopes in the women’s 4x400m relay, Mercy Chebet, said the team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
“We have prepared well, and now all we need is to put the right foot forward and bring those medals home,” said Chebet.
Coach Kirwa, a seasoned tactician who has guided Kenya in several international championships, praised the balance of experience and youthful talent within the squad.
“I have attended many championships, but this team looks very promising. The commitment from the athletes is amazing. We have experienced athletes like Julius Yego, who will be aiming to defend his title for a record seventh time, alongside emerging stars who are hungry to make their mark,” said Kirwa.
Among the athletes expected to shine are Brian Komen, a proven podium finisher, and rising talents such as Dorcus Chepkwemoi, Diana Chekemoi, and Diana Wanza, who have impressed throughout the season. In the men’s distance events, Mathew Kipruto will compete in the 10,000m while Kevin Chesang lines up in the 5,000m.
Kenya will also field a strong sprint team led by experienced stars Mark Otieno and Milcent Ndoro, with hopes high for podium finishes in both individual and relay events.
Sprinters Dennis Mwai, Elkana Sabila, and Moses Wasike will be expected to continue the legacy left behind by Kenya sprint greats such as Meshack Babu and Mike Mokamba during the 2024 championships in Douala. The relay squad will also benefit from the experience of curve-running specialist Samuel Chege, fresh from victory at the Ethiopia Grand Prix and recently part of Kenya’s team at the World Relays in Gaborone.
In the field events, all eyes will once again be on African and world javelin icon Julius Yego as he targets a historic seventh continental title. Kenya’s national high jump record holder Faith Kisang says she is ready to challenge for medals in both the high jump and long jump.
Another strong medal prospect is Isaack Kimunu in the triple jump and long jump events. Meanwhile, decathlon specialist Edwin Too is determined to improve on the bronze medal he won at the last championships.
> “I want to improve on the bronze medal I won during the last championship. I am aiming for the podium again, but this time with even better results,” said Too.
With morale at its peak, unity evident in camp, and athletes eager to raise the Kenyan flag high, Team Kenya heads into the championships carrying the hopes of a proud athletics nation determined to once again prove its dominance on the African stage.