Kelvin Loti after arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)/ HANDOUT Team Kenya has shifted focus to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, set for July 23 to August 2, following an impressive outing at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Kenya finished second overall at the continental championships with 17 medals — five gold, five silver and seven bronze — behind South Africa, who topped the standings with 22 medals. Ethiopia placed third with 14.
The championships in Accra highlighted Kenya’s growing strength beyond its traditional dominance in distance running, with notable performances in field and middle-distance events.
Rising shot put star Belinda Adhiambo Oburu was among Kenya’s standout performers, winning bronze on her continental debut with a throw of 16.39m. South Africa’s Uyis Collette took gold with 17.63m while Gabon’s Mekam Carine claimed silver with 16.71m.
“Representing Kenya for the first time and returning home with a bronze medal is a massive achievement,” said Oburu.
The youngster has now turned her attention to the Commonwealth Games.
“I finally feel like I belong among the elite. My focus now shifts to the KDF Championships and Commonwealth Games trials. Competing at the Commonwealth Games is my ultimate dream this year,” she added.
In the men’s 800m, Kelvin Loti overcame logistical challenges to clinch gold in 1:45.47, finishing ahead of Morocco’s Bouchejda Imade (1:45.62) and Ghana’s Alex Amankwah (1:46.18).
“We faced significant logistical challenges in Ghana, but our resilience carried us through,” said Loti.
“I am incredibly happy with my progress in the 800m, and this result shows even bigger performances are possible.”
Veteran javelin thrower Julius Yego also impressed, winning gold with a throw of 79.87m to secure his sixth consecutive continental title.
In the distance races, Diana Wanza and Diana Chepkemoi led Kenya’s charge with victories in the women’s 10,000m and 3000m steeplechase respectively.
Wanza won the 10,000m title in 31:33.26, while Chepkemoi clocked 9:29.18 to take gold in the steeplechase.
Assistant team manager Albert Lagat praised the youthful squad for exceeding expectations in Accra.
“We took a very young team to Ghana and they performed exceptionally well to finish second behind South Africa,” said Lagat.
“This performance highlights the depth of talent we have as a country and the continued commitment to developing world-class athletes.”
