Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jackson Tuwei is confident the Tokyo World Championships squad can extend the nation’s proud tradition of excellence and keep Kenya’s flag flying high on the global stage.
Kenya heads to Tokyo with a formidable record at the biennial showpiece, having amassed 171 medals (65 gold, 58 silver, 48 bronze) to sit second on the all-time medal table behind the USA’s 443.
The country’s journey began in Helsinki in 1983, a modest debut that saw a 21-strong contingent (20 men and one woman) compete across 11 events, albeit without tasting podium success. The country's finest hour came at the Beijing 2015 Championships, where a record 16 medals (seven gold, six silver, three bronze) saw the country top the world. Jamaica placed second (12 medals) with the USA third (18 medals).
At the most recent edition in Budapest 2023, Kenya bagged 10 medals (three gold, three silver and four bronze), finishing fifth overall and once again flying the African flag highest on the global stage. In Budapest, Kenya's gold medallists were Faith Kipyegon (1,500m and 5,000m) and Mary Moraa (800m).
Daniel Ebenyo (10,000m), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m) and Beatrice Chepkoech (3,000m steeplechase) were the country's silver medallists.
The bronze medallists included Abraham Kibiwot (3,000m steeplechase), Beatrice Chebet (5,000m), Jacob Krop (5,000m) and Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase). Speaking at the official opening of Team Kenya’s residential camp at the high-performance training centre in Kazi Mingi, Eldoret, Tuwei called on the athletes to extend Kenya's long-standing dominance in the global extravaganza.
“You are going to Tokyo to compete, and the facilities here will help you sharpen yourselves. It’s up to you to train and focus on the competition ahead because Kenya has always done well at the global championships."
Tuwei urged the athletes to ensure they run clean so as not to taint the nation's image. “As you train, just do it cleanly and make sure you impress and leave the sport with your head high," Tuwei said.
"What is the need for running and winning medals only to be stripped later? It's a big shame, and Kenya needs to get out of this, and it starts with discipline and hard work," he added.
The Tokyo-bound team has also received a major boost from a partnership between AK and KCB Bank, aimed at smoothing preparations and empowering athletes off the track.
KCB director of retail banking Jane Isiaho praised the athletes for making the cut and said the partnership was part of a long-term plan to support Kenyan athletics. "The reason we decided to partner with the federation is to assist and support athletes on their sporting engagement," she said.
"We have to offer support on investments through what the athletes earn, and that's why we are here to offer financial literacy to the team," she added.
