ACCRA, Ghana — Kenya national athletics team delivered a strong continental performance after finishing second overall at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, with an impressive haul of 17 medals.
According to the final standings, South Africa topped the medal table with 20 medals, including nine gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
Kenya followed in second place with six gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals, while traditional athletics rivals Ethiopia settled for third place with 14 medals.
The championships were held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and were marked by logistical challenges that tested athletes throughout the competition.
Competitors faced scheduling disruptions, power outages affecting timing systems, accommodation concerns, and difficult weather conditions.
Despite the setbacks, Kenyan athletes produced dominant performances across both track and field events.
Gold Rush for Kenya
Kenya’s medal campaign began strongly when Kelvin Chesang stormed to victory in the men’s 10,000m in 28:30.44.
Compatriot Silas Senchura added a bronze medal after clocking 28:32.66.
In the women’s 10,000m, Diana Wanza controlled the race from start to finish before securing gold in 31:33.26.
The middle-distance events also brought success for Kenya as Kelvin Kimutai Loti won the men’s 800m title in 1:45.47.
Veteran javelin thrower Julius Yego once again showcased his experience on the continental stage.
The former world champion, popularly known as “The YouTube Man,” produced a season-best throw of 79.87m to claim gold in the men’s javelin.
Kenya Impresses in Field Events
Kenya also registered notable breakthroughs in field events.
Belinda Oburu Adhiambo secured a historic bronze medal in the women’s shot put with a throw of 16.39m.
Meanwhile, Asbel Kiprop Kemboi earned bronze in the men’s high jump after clearing 2.13m.
Isaac Ndute Kimunu added another bronze medal in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.48m.
In the men’s decathlon, Edwin Too claimed silver after a strong all-around performance.
Relay Teams End Championships in Style
Kenya maintained its traditional dominance in the steeplechase.
Diana Chepkemoi led a Kenyan one-two finish in the women’s 3000m steeplechase after winning gold in 9:29.18.
Compatriot Mercy Chepngeno Koskey secured silver in 9:30.46.
The race walking events also produced medals for Kenya. Silvia Jerono Kemboi won silver in the women’s 20km race walk, while Stephen Ndangiri Kihu matched the feat in the men’s category.
Laban Kiptoo Kosgei also earned bronze in the men’s 5000m.
Kenya’s relay teams capped off the championships with more podium finishes.
The men’s 4x400m relay team secured silver, while the mixed 4x400m and women’s 4x400m relay teams both claimed bronze medals.
The performance in Accra reaffirmed Kenya’s status as one of Africa’s athletics powerhouses, with the country continuing to excel not only in long-distance races but also in field and relay disciplines.