This weekend’s World Relay Trials will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium and ahead of the Absa Kip Keino Classic, the government has already funded the installation of a new synthetic track at the iconic venue.
“Initially scheduled for Friday, the installation will now begin on Monday (April 14) due to the Saturday (April 12) event. As we look forward to the Absa Kip Keino Classic, Athletics Kenya (AK) is committed to assembling a team that will bring glory in Guangzhou, China. Providing full support to our athletes remains a top priority,” Barnaba Korir, the AK Youth Development Director and Kip Keino Classic Meet Director told Pura Vida Sports in an interview.
The anti-doping protocols will be strictly enforced as the World Relay Trials approach. All athletes will be registered prior to the event, and bib numbers will be distributed as usual.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), and Athletics Kenya (AK) have reiterated that all regulations governing the competition must be strictly followed.
“The names of the athletes invited for the World Relay trials have already undergone vetting by ADAK and AIU,” said Korir.
“Athletics Kenya is ensuring that every athlete is properly registered in accordance with anti-doping regulations. Only those who meet the required standards have been invited.”
Korir also mentioned the Kenyan delegation to Gaborone, Botswana, which includes top athletes, among them the renowned Ferdinand Omanyala: “Should they deliver strong performances in Gaborone, we will seriously consider them for the team heading to Guangzhou, China,” Korir added. “Having a sprinter like Omanyala in the 4x100m relay would be a significant boost for our team.”
Athletes are strongly urged to comply with the evolving anti-doping rules, as there will be no room for shortcuts or non-compliance.
Additionally, Athletics Kenya has introduced a comprehensive registration system that requires athletes, their support personnel, and anyone affiliated with them to formally sign and commit to upholding the anti-doping guidelines.
“As we head into the World Relay trials at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, our federation has already qualified four teams: the men’s 4x100m relay, both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays, and the mixed relay,” said Paul Mutwii, Athletics Kenya’s Senior Vice President.
“Our focus now is to finalize the women’s 4x100m team, which we aim to form during the trials. Only invited athletes will compete in these trials.”
List of athletes invited to the World Relays Trials and their recent times:
100m Women:
- Eunice Kadogo Murandafu 11.5 second
- Milcent Ndoro 11.6
- Brendah Masitsa Inziano 11.9
- Doreen Waka 11.9
- Monica Safania 11.9
- Laventa Luvandwa Amutavi 12.1
- Morara Loice Nyanchoka 12.5
- Susan Nyambura Wairimu 12.6
- Neviah Mongina Michira 25.4
100m Men:
- Ferdinand Omanyala 10.2
- Dennis Mwai Wangui 10.2
- Isaac Omurwa Kundu 10.2
- Dennis Nyongesa 10.3
- Ronald Kiprono Koech 10.3
- Meshack Kitsubuli Babu 10.35
- Mark Otieno Odhiambo 10.39
- Dan Kiviasi Asamba 10.4
- Hesborn Oduor Ochieng 10.4
- Moses Onyango Wasike 10.4
- Elkana Kiprotich Sabila 10.5
- Justine Isaboke Mogoi 10.5
- Robinson Motende Absolom 10.5
- Stephen Otieno Oluoch 10.5
- Samuel Chege Waweru 10.55
- Tyson Omondi Juma 6.82
- Steve Onyango 10.1
- Clinton Aluvi 10.4
- Josiah Innocent Kadima 21.9
400m Women:
- Mercy Adongo Oketch 54.3
- Esther Mbagari Okang’a – [Time not listed]
- Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera 54.6
- Rahab Ndirangu Wanjiru 54.8
- Anne Mbatha Nzula 55.0
- Mercy Chebet 55.0
- Sarah Bosibori Joel 55.3
- Lanoline Aoko Owino 55.7
- Joan Cherono 56.2
- Gladys Mumbe David 56.3
400m Men:
- Allan Kipyego 46.2
- Kevin Kipkorir 46.2
- David Sanayek Kapirante 47.2
- Wiseman Were Mukhobe 47.22
- Tinega Brian Onyaro 47.5
- Dennis Masika Mulongo 47.6
- Elkanah Kiprotich Chemelil 47.6
- Moitalel Mpoke Naadokila 47.8
- Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui 47.9
- Kelvin Tauta 48.2
- Kennedy Kimeu 48.2
- Jared Nyambweke Momanyi 49.1
- Zablon Ekhal Ekwam – [Time not listed]
- Boniface Mweresa Ontuga 10.1
- Nathaniel Kipngetich 46.5
Robert Kibet is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He previously worked as a correspondent for Milele FM. His feature stories on development, the climate crisis, the environment, conflict, human rights, food security, and education have been published in The Guardian UK, Reuters, IPS, DW, The New Humanitarian, and Equal Times.
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