Kip Keino Classic 2026: Kenyan Youngsters Make Bold Statement in Nairobi

The seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold meeting at Nyayo National Stadium provided the perfect stage for Kenya’s emerging track and field talents to announce themselves.

With a strong home crowd behind them, the country’s next generation of athletes delivered standout performances, signalling a bright future for Kenyan athletics.

Many of the podium finishers made it clear that their immediate focus is securing spots in Team Kenya for the upcoming World U20 Championships scheduled for August 5–9 in Eugene, Oregon.

In the men’s U20 800m, Wilson Chepkwech produced a thrilling performance to claim victory in the first national track event of the day.

He unleashed a powerful kick in the final lap to edge out Collins Tenderwa in a tightly contested race, clocking 1:46.33. Tenderwa followed closely in 1:46.56, while Nashon Pkiach secured third place in 1:47.15.

The women’s 800m saw an equally commanding display from Nancy Kibet, a Form Three student at Kondabilet Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet.

The 17-year-old controlled the race from the start, dictating the pace before delivering a decisive surge in the home straight to win in 2:03.21. Nancy Jepngetich and Caren Chepchirchir finished second and third in 2:03.43 and 2:03.81 respectively.

“I ran the Athletics Kenya regional championships last week and I won. I will be competing in the national championships next month and I’m well prepared. I took part in secondary school games and I can say that 800m is about believing in yourself. I want to improve my time and be consistent,” Kibet said after victory.

The men’s U20 3000m steeplechase delivered one of the most entertaining moments of the day, with Brian Kandie putting on a memorable performance.

Kandie surged ahead in the closing stages, even waving to his competitors as he pulled away from Emmanuel Lemiso, who finished second.

He crossed the line in 8:46.02, with Lemiso clocking 8:46.78, while Brian Ngetich completed the podium in 8:48.28.

“I knew that the competition would be tight and I prepared myself well. My target is to make the Kenyan team to the World U20 championships later in the year,” Kandie said.

In the men’s 3000m, Emmanuel Kiprono showcased his strength and control, breaking away from the pack early and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the race.

By the bell, he had opened a significant gap of nearly 80 metres, eventually winning in 7:45.56. Wesley Kiplangat came in second in 8:01.04, while Enock Tuitoek finished third in 8:05.07.

“I was in good shape. My dream is to compete in the World U20 championships,” Kiprono said.

The women’s U20 3000m race was highlighted by an impressive showing from sisters Venenza Chebet Masai and Linda Chepkwemoi Masai.

The duo ran side by side for much of the race before Chebet accelerated in the final bend to take victory in 9:08.98. Chepkwemoi followed in 9:10.10, while Mercy Chepngeno finished third in 9:10.53.

The sisters, both Form Three students at Kongit Secondary School in Bungoma County, demonstrated strong teamwork and preparation.

“I’m happy because my younger sister came in second and our training mate finished third. We have had good training and we hope to make the World U20 team during the trials next month,” Chebet said.

In the senior men’s 10,000m, Kevin Chesang emerged victorious after a tactical race that remained tightly contested for much of the distance.

A lead group broke away midway through the race, and Chesang saved his energy for a decisive push in the final laps, eventually winning in 28:31.50.

“The race was tough and I really struggled pushing the pace. However, I'm grateful to have won. I'll be competing in the Africa Senior Championships and now that I've performed well here, fans should expect a good show. This was my first time competing at Kip Keino and next year, I'll definitely be back to defend my title,” Chesang said.

Mkulia Kipkandie and Charles Kiboino finished second and third in 28:36.37 and 28:37.81, respectively.

With impressive performances across multiple disciplines, the Kip Keino Classic once again proved to be a vital platform for nurturing young talent.

For many of these rising stars, the next major goal is clear, earning selection to represent Kenya on the global stage at the World U20 Championships, where they hope to continue their rapid progression and make their mark internationally.