Reprieve for athletes as slots for African Games are increased

Central Rift's Kevin Kipkorir pray before 400M finals during African Games trials selections at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Athletics Kenya (AK) has named a strong team of 52 athletes for the 13th edition of All African Games set for Accra, Ghana on March 8-23, 2024.

Beatrice Chepkoech, Mary Moraa and Hezbon Ochieng will highlight Kenya's team to the upcoming continental contest.

The number of athletes to the continental games was increased from 30 to 52, after athletes protested the low number that was initially given to Athletics Kenya by Kenya National Sports Council (KNSC).

Athletes were disappointed to learn that their quota for the Games had been halved, with only 30 places up for grabs - down 31 slots from the figure that represented Kenya the last edition in Morocco.

Kenya Police's Beatrice Chepkoech (256) wins 5000m Women finals during African Games trials selections at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The reduced number meant only one athlete would qualify from each event, which prompted the protest by the competitors who said they had invested so much effort in training.

AK had to issue statement to assure the runners on the government's commitment to increase the number: "We are pleased to note that following AK consultation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the number of slots available shall be increased subject to the athletes meeting the qualification criteria for the games," read the statement.

"AK technical team will work closely with the athletes during the trials to achieve the objective of selecting team Kenya as required."

Brian Komen wins 1500m Men finals during African Games trials selections at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

And after the final day of the action at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, AK picked 52 athletes (28 men and 24 women) with each event having two athletes while other events have one athlete depending on the qualification standard.

Millicent Ndoro who was in superb winning the women's 200m finals 22.88sec (wind +3.0 m/s) will lead the sprinters alongside Prison warden Hezbon Ochieng in men's 100, with Rukia Nusra of Kenya Defence Force carrying the country's flag in 100m hurdles.

Samuel Chege will represent the country in men's 200m, while world 800m champion Mary Moraa will come down to 400m her speciality with Kennedy Kimeu in the corresponding men's 400m event.
Mary Nyaruai Ekiru and Lydia Jeruto will headline the women's 1500m with Brian Komen leading the medal hunt in the men's 1500m event alongside Abel Kipsang.

Kenya finished seventh in the last edition of the African Games in Rabat after collecting 31 medals (11 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze).