Kenya's roll of honour at African Senior Athletics Championships
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 18.05.26. | 17:15
From the opening days of competition, athletes were forced to deal with lengthy delays that disrupted warm-up routines and preparation schedules
Team Kenya delivered a spirited and resilient performance to finish second overall at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships, held in Accra, Ghana, from Monday, 12 to Sunday, 17 May.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
The team overcame difficult conditions and organisational challenges to emerge as one of the standout nations on the continent.
The Kenyan contingent amassed an impressive 17 medals: six gold, four silver, and seven bronze to secure second place behind South Africa, which topped the standings with 20 medals (nine gold, three silver, and eight bronze). Ethiopia completed the top three with 14 medals.
Held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the continental showpiece was marred by logistical setbacks, scheduling confusion, power outages that affected timing systems, and harsh weather conditions that tested athletes physically and mentally.
From the opening days of competition, athletes were forced to deal with lengthy delays that disrupted warm-up routines and preparation schedules.
Concerns over food and accommodation further complicated matters, but Team Kenya still rose above the adversity with a series of commanding performances on both track and field.
Kenya’s medal charge began in the distance events, where Kelvin Chesang secured the country’s first gold medal after storming to victory in the men’s 10,000m in 28:30.44. Silas Senchura added to the celebrations by clinching bronze in 28:32.66.
In the women’s 10,000m, Diana Wanza produced a tactical masterclass, dictating the pace throughout the race before cruising to gold in 31:33.26.
The middle-distance races also brought success for Kenya, with Kelvin Kimutai Loti further underlining his growing reputation by claiming gold in the men’s 800m after clocking 1:45.47 in a composed performance.
Veteran javelin thrower Julius Yego once again rolled back the years to inspire the Kenyan camp, producing a massive 79.87m throw to win gold in the men’s javelin.
Kenya also enjoyed a rare breakthrough in the field events. Belinda Oburu Adhiambo powered her way to bronze in the women’s shot put with a throw of 16.39m, while Asbel Kiprop Kemboi secured bronze in the men’s high jump after clearing 2.13m.
Isaac Ndute Kimunu added another bronze in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.48m.
Diana Chepkwoi and Mercy Chepngeno won gold 🥇 and silver 🥇 respectively in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, as Julius Yego powered to his seventh CAA African championship title in Accra 🇬🇠pic.twitter.com/jDjn4qhvis
— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) May 17, 2026
In the demanding decathlon event, Edwin Too showcased remarkable endurance and versatility to secure a sensational silver medal for Kenya.
The country’s dominance in the steeplechase remained evident as Diana Chepkemoi led a memorable Kenyan 1-2 finish in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. She won gold in 9:29:185 ahead of compatriot Mercy Chepngeno Koskey, who claimed silver in 9:30.460.
Kenya also impressed in the 20km race walk events, with Silvia Jerono Kemboi winning silver in the women’s category after clocking 1:33.44. Stephen Ndangiri Kihu mirrored that achievement in the men’s race, earning silver in 1:20.01.
Laban Kiptoo Kosgei added another podium finish in the men’s 5000m, battling through a highly competitive field to secure bronze in 13:18.71.
The relay teams capped off the championships in style. Kenya’s men’s 4x400m relay team produced a blistering run to secure silver in 3:01.344, while the mixed 4x400m relay team and the women’s 4x400m relay team each claimed bronze medals after clocking 3:17.94 and 3:33.796, respectively.