AK boss Tuwei: Why we used Oregon to pick athletes for Tokyo worlds

He noted that the meet provided ideal conditions similar to what athletes will face in Tokyo, allowing them to prepare and perform at the highest level.

 “One of the reasons we sent our teams for the 10,000M men and 5000M women to the USA was to give them a chance to run and compete in special conditions as compared to what we have in the country,” said Tuwei.

He further confirmed that the rest of the Tokyo 2025 national trials will take place on July 22 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with athletes expected to collect their running numbers on July 21.

He stressed that the trials would be invitation-only, ensuring top-tier athletes are selected based on merit and performance.

“We will conduct our trials on July 22, and athletes are expected to pick their running numbers on July 21.

"The trials will be only on an invite basis, as the World Athletics gave specific instructions on when to qualify and how to qualify.”

Tuwei also used the opportunity to urge the Ministry of Sports to review allowances and general support for national teams.

“Last time during the Olympic trials in Tokyo, athletes were given 60 USD per day, and officials 80 USD.

"We will also be requesting that these athletes who participated in the trials should also be considered for something because they made us proud,” he said.

In response, Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya assured that the ministry had factored in better rewards in its commitment to support Kenyan sportsmen.

“We’ve apportioned a Ksh. 70 million sports award package, which will be announced, that will not only benefit athletes but also coaches and team managers,” said Mvurya.

The enhanced support package by the ministry and the ongoing enhanced preparations reflect Kenya’s serious intent to maintain its legacy as a global athletics powerhouse when the world gathers in Tokyo this September.