By Athletics Kenya
Athletics Kenya (AK) has named a strong team of 58 athletes to represent the country at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Speaking after the unveiling of the team, AK president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei wished the team all the best, expressing confidence of another medal haul for Kenya at a major competition.
“I want to wish them well and believe they will do the country proud at the World Championships. This is a team of champions and all of you have seen how we have selected the team today…based on the tough competition that was witnessed today,” the president said.
The team was selected after a thrilling day of national trials at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Over 150 athletes participated in the competition in which the top two finishers in each discipline earned automatic qualification whereas a third one was chosen by a selection panel.
Big names selected in Team Kenya for Tokyo World Championship
Some of the top names to watch out for include triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, double Olympic (5000m and 10,000m) champion Beatrice Chebet, Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, among others.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei announced the team will enter residential training immediately at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
He said this plan has been necessitated by the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) to be held in Kenya from August 2-30 across all venues in Nairobi.
“From here, the team will immediately start training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. We have done this so as not to waste any time but begin preparations as we wait for CHAN to continue. Once it is over (CHAN), we will bring the team back to Nairobi for final preparations before they head to Tokyo,” Tuwei said.
Team Kenya sponsors for Tokyo World Championship
The AK president further exalted the importance of various sponsors for their support on the material day, including New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Betika.
“We are very grateful to our sponsor for the support they have given us. Remember in October last year, we came up with the ‘Road to Tokyo’ plan, which is the buildup to the World Championships. These trials is part of that Road to Tokyo. Our partners have been crucial to its success and we are looking for more,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
Echoing his sentiments was the chief guest of the day – Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya – who said the cutthroat competition at the trials is a precursor of what to expect in Tokyo.
“This year’s national trials and the competition witnessed at this event gives us hope that we are in for a medal harvest, come September in Tokyo. A huge congratulations to all the athletes who have been selected in the team,” Mvurya said.
The CS also assured the team of the government’s full support as they embark on training, noting their commitment to putting in place all measures to ensure their success.
“You can be sure of the government’s full support as you embark on preparations as well as the support of all Kenyans who have never tired of cheering you in the stadiums and on televisions. As government, we are also thankful to the different corporates who have worked with AK to make this event a success,” he said.
