Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge believes Kenya has what it takes to host the Youth Olympic Games following Senegal’s historic breakthrough as the first African country to stage the extravaganza.
Kipchoge, who has been in Dakar offering mentorship to upcoming stars, was impressed by Senegal’s organisation, saying the event had demonstrated Africa’s capacity to stage and manage major sporting competitions.
“I am really impressed by what Senegal has showcased in these Youth Games. It shows that Africa is capable of organising and managing such big sporting events,” Kipchoge said.
He is convinced that Kenya is well equipped to host an event of such magnitude, pointing to the country’s sporting infrastructure and experience.
“I think Kenya is better placed compared to Senegal as far as hosting such events is concerned. We have enough infrastructure and all it takes to stage such championships and more,” Kipchoge said.
Kipchoge hailed Team Kenya’s performance after watching the juniors deliver across individual and team sports.
“The Games have been wonderful. It has been a great experience. Kenya has been performing well in individual and team sports. It is evident that Kenya and Africa have the right talent to win many races and competitions in the future,” he said.
“I am really proud to see the success of Kenyan athletes. To see our athletes securing good positions and winning medals shows that Kenya is rich in talent.”
Kenya wrapped up the 2026 Dakar Youth Games with four gold and two silver medals, improving on the 2018 Buenos Aires edition, where they had three gold and one silver.
Athletics accounted for five of Kenya’s six medals, contributing three gold and two silver, underlining the country’s continued strength on the track.
Kenya finished third in the athletics behind Ethiopia (five gold and three silver) and China (three gold, four silver and two bronze).
Abigail Kosgei stormed to gold in the girls’ 2,000m steeplechase, clocking an impressive 6:30.24, while Enock Tuitoek powered to victory in the boys’ 3,000m in 8:07.69.
Faith Rono added another gold in the girls’ 3,000m, surging across the finish line in 9:15.47, while Wesley Kiplagat settled for silver in the boys’ 2,000m steeplechase after clocking 5:36.28.
Abigael Chepkirui completed Kenya’s athletics medal haul with silver in the girls’ 1,500m, stopping the clock at 4:29.86.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Rising Lionesses struck gold in women’s rugby Sevens, edging Australia 17–12 in a thrilling final. The victory was particularly significant, marking Kenya’s first-ever Olympic or Youth Olympic team sport medal.
