Africa-Press – Kenya. Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei believes the country is on the cusp of transforming into a global and continental powerhouse in field events, adding a new chapter to its storied dominance on the track.
Tuwei’s sentiments follow a string of explosive performances at the AK Combined Trials for the African Championships and World Relays, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex 10 days ago.
Across the three-day meet, five athletes obliterated national records in various field disciplines, underlining a growing shift in focus from Kenya’s traditional track strength to a more balanced, all-round athletics programme.
Decathlete Edwin Too led the charge, shattering his own national record after amassing 7,179 points to eclipse his previous mark of 7,140 set at the 2024 African Games.
In para-athletics, Nathan Kemboi delivered a sensational throw of 59.26m in the T46 javelin category, rewriting the African record from the 54.11m he had set earlier this year at the Dubai World Para-Athletics Grand Prix.
The throwing ring also witnessed history as Belinda Oburu powered to a new women’s shot put national record of 15.74m, finally eclipsing the long-standing 39-year mark of 15.60m set by Elizabeth Olaba.
In the high jump, Faith Kipsang soared to a new national record of 1.80m, bettering the previous mark of 1.75m held by Zeddy Chesire since 2023, while in the hammer throw, Dominic Abunda nudged his own record further with a 62.60m effort, improving on his 2018 mark of 62.57m.
For Tuwei, these performances are more than just numbers; they are a statement of intent. “In javelin, we now have three athletes representing us at the African Championships, and even in high jump—that’s something we haven’t had before,” he noted, pointing to a widening talent pool in disciplines once considered Kenya’s weak links.
Leading Kenya’s javelin charge at the continental showpiece will be five-time African champion Julius Yego, who will be joined by rising names Boniface Kilonzo and Alex Kiprotich.
For years, Kenya has leaned heavily on Yego, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist, as its lone medal prospect in the field events on both continental and global stages. But the tide is turning, and a new dawn is steadily breaking.
At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Irene Jepkemboi etched her name in history as the first Kenyan female javelin thrower to secure a slot at the global showpiece. At the same time, Winny Bii continues to make waves, holding the national triple jump record and boasting a silver medal from the 2023 African Games.
Tuwei attributes this steady rise to deliberate investment in officiating and technical capacity. “As we continue training our technical officials, things will work well,” he said, emphasising the importance of structure behind the scenes. However, he was quick to point out that infrastructure remains a critical piece of the puzzle.
“We also need more equipment because field athletes need gyms or even swimming pools to train,” he added. “It’s just a matter of introducing new training in the areas we have neglected before.”
Tuwei, who also serves as World Athletics Vice President, remains convinced that Kenya’s potential stretches far beyond the track. “We have so much talent across all events,” he said.
