Team Kenya to camp at Kipchoge Keino Stadium ahead of Tokyo Worlds

The decision to relocate the team to Eldoret is due to the unavailability of Nyayo, Kasarani and Ulinzi stadiums as the facilities are already booked for the month-long CHAN competition that Kenya is co-hosting with neighbours Tanzania and Uganda from August 2 to August 30.

Speaking during the unveiling of the 58-member squad that will do duty for Kenya in the Japanese capital, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya pledged full government support to the athletes before and during the September 13-21 event.

Mvurya said the level of competition witnessed at the trials held at Ulinzi Sports Complex was proof Kenya was headed for a major medal harvest, urging the athletes to don the Kenyan colours with a sense of patriotism.

“This year’s trials have shown the kind of depth we have. The government is fully behind this team and we are putting all measures in place to ensure success in Tokyo,” said Mvurya.

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei expressed confidence in the team, describing it as a squad of champions selected purely on merit.

“I want to wish them well. All of you saw how competitive it was today – this team has earned its place and I believe they will do the country proud,” said Tuwei.

The final squad was selected after a bruising day of trials involving over 150 athletes, with the top two in each event earning automatic qualification and a third added by the selectors.

Among the headline names are Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Others are Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, reigning world 800m champion Mary Moraa and Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich.

Tuwei also acknowledged corporate support from key sponsors noting that the ‘Road to Tokyo’ plan launched last year is bearing fruit.

Senior government and athletics officials including outgoing NOCK boss Dr. Paul Tergat, National Assembly Sports Committee Chairman Dan Wanyama, and Director of Sports Jaxon Indakwa were also present during the trials.