Kenya Names Dominant Squad for CAA Africa Senior Championships After Trials Masterclass
Kenya has unveiled a powerful squad for the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled for May 12–17, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, following three days of high-quality national trials at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.
In the women’s 10,000m, Diana Wanza delivered one of the standout performances of the trials, winning in 32:12.1, more than three minutes under the qualifying mark. She was followed by Mercy Chepngeno Mageso and Phenah Yego Siyoi.
Team Kenya at Ulinzi Sports Complex after selection trials for World Relays and CAA Africa Championships. Photo by Peter Njoroge.
The trials reinforced Kenya’s strength across steeplechase, middle-distance, and long-distance events, with multiple athletes comfortably surpassing qualification standards to secure selection for the continental championships.
Steeplechase depth delivers early statement
The men’s 3000m steeplechase produced a Kenyan one-two as Peter Kipng’eno Rono won in 8:33.21, ahead of Shadrack Kibiwot Too in 8:34.46, both inside the qualification mark.
Rono, coached by Charles Ng’eno in Keringet, credited consistent preparation and injury-free training for his performance.
“Training has not been bad. I am targeting this year’s Commonwealth Games, especially since I have been free of injury,” he said. “I will now focus on speed to improve my finishing kick.”
Kibiwot, who trains under Patrick Sang at Global Sports Camp in Kaptagat alongside Eliud Kipchoge, said the training environment has shaped his progress.
“Training under Patrick Sang with athletes like Eliud Kipchoge pushes you every day,” he said.
In the women’s steeplechase, Kenya dominated as Diana Chepkemoi (9:36.76), Mercy Koskey Chepngeno (9:38.87), and Mercy Chepngeno Mageso (9:45.27) all finished well inside qualification.
Distance events highlight Kenyan control
The men’s 10,000m was tightly contested, with Kevin Chesang winning in 28:25.2 ahead of Silas Senchura (28:18.46). Matthew Kipkoech also secured qualification earlier with a season best 27:42.26.
The 5,000m races underlined Kenya’s depth. Denis Kipkoech Kemboi won the men’s race in 13:03.17, ahead of Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi and Laban Kiptoo Kosgei, all inside the qualification mark.
Kemboi said he remains focused on converting form into medals.
“I am committed to raking in a medal for Kenya in Ghana,” he said. “I am now shifting to speedwork after recovering from injury and illness.”
In the women’s 5,000m, Maurine Jepkoech Chebor led a Kenyan sweep in 15:51.04.
Middle distance rivalries take shape
The men’s 800m was led by Kelvin Kimtai Loti in 1:45.04, ahead of Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony and Brian Musyoka Masai.
In the women’s race, Vivian Kiprotich Chebet won in 2:03.59.
The men’s 1500m final delivered one of the most competitive moments of the trials, with Reynold Cheruiyot winning in 3:36.1 ahead of Brian Komen and Dominic Barngetuny.
Reynold said he is confident of building momentum into the international season.
“I hope to perform well and team up with Brian Komen to bring gold and silver in Ghana,” he said. “I will begin at the Kip Keino Classic before competing in the Xiamen Diamond League, Commonwealth Games, and Ultimate Run.”
Brian Komen, returning from injury, said he is focused on defending his form and title ambitions.
“I had a stress fracture but I have come back strong,” he said. “We pushed together with Reynold in the trials. I am now injury free and focused on staying on the podium.”
He added that his season includes the Kip Keino Classic and Rabat Diamond League.
The women’s 1500m was won by Mary Nyaruai Ekiru in 4:09.60.
Accra test ahead
Across all disciplines, Kenya’s dominance was clear, with athletes not only meeting but significantly surpassing qualification standards, reinforcing the country’s depth ahead of continental competition.
Attention now shifts to Accra, Ghana, where the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships will be staged from May 12–17, 2026, as Kenya targets another strong medal haul.