Afraha Stadium turned into a fierce battleground on Day One of the Athletics Kenya National Trials, as Kenya’s Under-20 stars launched their bid for slots in Team Kenya ahead of the 2025 CAA U20 Championships set for Nigeria.
With the country’s rich athletics legacy on the line, top prospects rose to the occasion—none more impressively than Denis Kipkoech Kemboi, Cynthia Chepkurui, and Vincent Chebutuk, who headlined a day packed with thrilling performances.
In the men’s 5000m, Kemboi, hailing from the South Rift region, displayed tactical brilliance and mental toughness, clocking 13:42.37 to take top honors.
But his path to victory was anything but smooth. Frankline Kibet Chebet (Nairobi) and Ronald Kipkoech Ngetich, a University of Oklahoma freshman, pushed him to the wire, ensuring the race went down as one of the most hotly contested events of the day.
“I had to dig deep in the last 600m. The competition was stiff, but that’s what brings out the best in us,” said Kemboi after the race.
The women’s 5000m was equally electric. Cynthia Chepkurui of Nairobi ran a patient but dominant race, kicking clear in the final 300m to seal victory in 15:37.82.
She was closely trailed by Joyline Chepkemoi (Central Rift) and Sharon Chepkemoi (Nairobi), who kept the crowd on its feet with a dramatic three-way sprint to the finish.
“I’ve been preparing for this moment with focus and consistency,” Chepkurui said. “The goal is to represent Kenya with pride and go for gold in Nigeria.”
In the 400m hurdles, Vincent Chebutuk of Central Rift made a strong case for continental glory with a well-executed race, clocking 56.03 to win the men’s category. On the women’s side, Celestine Jepleting looked comfortable and powerful as she surged to victory in 1:02.99.
While the spotlight was firmly on distance and hurdle events, the sprint heats gave a taste of what’s to come on Day Two. The likes of Clinton Aluvi and Brian Akoth turned heads with blazing speed and sharp technique, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive sprint finale.
As relays and showdowns loom, Kenya’s U20 contingent has sent a clear signal: the fight for a ticket to Lagos is on, and the country’s conveyor belt of talent is alive and well.
With performances that combined grit, flair, and raw hunger, the young turks at Afraha showed that the legacy of Kenyan athletics is in safe hands and the road to Nigeria has been set ablaze.
BY ROBERT KIBET-A Nairobi-based freelance journalist.
