Amos Serem/ FILE

Amos Serem will lead Kenya’s charge to reclaim the men’s 3,000m steeplechase title when action continues today at the ongoing African Championships in Accra, Ghana.

Kenya heads into the race eager to end a seven-year wait for continental gold in an event the country has long dominated on the world stage.
The last Kenyan to win the African Championships men’s steeplechase crown was Conseslus Kipruto in Asaba, Nigeria, in 2018.
Read Also
Police, Bandari in hunt for continental football ticket in explosive Mozzart Bet Cup semi-final Football
Sara Mose inspired to chase more glory two silvers at Africa Junior and Senior Championships Football
Oketch faces litmus test against Naser on Diamond League debut in Shanghai Athletics
The 2016 Olympic champion stormed to victory in 8:26.38 ahead of Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, who clocked 8:28.01, while Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale settled for bronze in 8:30.87.
At the 2022 championships in Sainte Pierre, Mauritius, Geoffrey Kirwa salvaged bronze in 8:29.74 as Ethiopia dominated the podium through Hailemaryam Amare (8:27.38) and Tadese Takele (8:28.31).
Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

In Douala, Cameroon, in 2024, the Kenyan duo of Edmund Serem and Mathew Kosgei fell short despite a strong showing. Serem delivered silver in 8:21.94 as Kosgei sealed the podium in 8:21.98.

Uganda’s Leonard Chemutai clinched gold in 8:21.30.

Amos, 23, arrives in Accra seeking redemption after a disappointing start to his campaign at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on April 24.
The Kenyan faded to 11th in 8:54.45 in a race won by Ethiopia’s Gemechu Godana in 8:14.55. Kenya’s Simon Koech and Leonard Bett completed the podium in 8:15.71 and 8:25.06 respectively.
Despite that setback, Serem remains one of Africa’s most accomplished young steeplechasers.
He first announced himself on the international stage at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, where he won gold in commanding fashion after clocking 8:30.72.
Ethiopia’s Bikila Tadese claimed silver in 8:33.15 while Kenya’s Simon Koech settled for bronze in 8:34.79.
Serem also secured silver at the 2023 African Games in Ghana after posting 8:25.77 behind Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, who won gold in 8:24.30.
The Kenyan further cemented his place among the world’s elite in 2024 after capturing the Diamond League final title in Brussels.
Serem unleashed a devastating finishing kick to clock 8:06.90 ahead of two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, who finished second in 8:08.60, while Tunisia’s Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui placed third in 8:09.68.
In Accra, Serem will team up with Shadrack Kibiwot and Peter Rono as Kenya seeks to reclaim one of its most treasured continental titles.