Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa Learn Selection Rules Ahead of World Relays, Africa Championships Trials

Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, and Mark Otieno are among the top athletes invited to the upcoming national trials for the World Athletics Relays and Africa Senior Athletics Championships.

In a major directive from Athletics Kenya, participation in the trials has been made compulsory for all invited athletes.

This means that Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa and all the invited athletes must compete if they hope to secure slots for the World Athletics Relays 2026 and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships 2026.

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The move underscores the federation’s push for fairness and competitiveness, ensuring that selection is based on current form rather than past achievements.

Another key requirement is compliance with anti-doping regulations set by the Athletics Integrity Unit. All selected athletes must have undergone between one and three out-of-competition tests within the past six months, depending on their world ranking.

This rule reflects Kenya’s continued efforts to strengthen credibility and maintain Category A compliance in global athletics.

4x100m and Mixed Relay (Men)

For sprint events where Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Otieno are expected to feature strongly, nine male athletes will be selected.

The first five finishers in the men’s 100m final earn automatic qualification, with the two fastest athletes in the 200m final also securing spots. The remaining two positions will be filled by a selectors’ panel.

4x400m Relay

In this category, the first six finishers in the men’s 400m final qualify automatically and the three additional athletes will be selected by the panel.

In the women’s category, the top six finishers in the 400m final gain automatic selection, with the three remaining athletes to be chosen by selectors.

Mixed Relays (Women)

The first three female finishers will be selected for the mixed 4x100m relay team.

For the continental championships, the process is equally competitive. Athletes must meet Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) entry standards.

The top two finishers in events requiring three athletes qualify automatically, and the third slot will be determined by selectors. For events requiring one or two athletes, only the winner secures automatic qualification. Race walk specialists will be selected separately at the World Race Walk Team Championships in Brazil.