Team Kenya is headlined by Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, 1500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon and 5000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet.
Oliver Ochieng
Kenya’s journey to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, began in earnest with the naming of a 58-member provisional squad on 22 July, following competitive national trials, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The team is headlined by Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, 1500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon and 5000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet.
Addressing local press after the team’s unveiling, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jackson Tuwei referred to it as a team of champions, expressing confidence that the selected athletes will be out for a medal haul for Kenya, during the championships in Tokyo, from 13-21 September, 2025.
“This is a team of champions,” Tuwei said.
The team, he said, will immediately embark on residential training in Eldoret as part of the preparations ahead of the championships.
“From here, the team will immediately start training at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. We have done this so as not to waste any time but begin preparations as we wait for CHAN to continue. Once CHAN is over, we will bring the team back to Nairobi for final preparations before they head to Tokyo.”
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will play host to the CHAN tournament from 2-30 August, 2025 rendering Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in Nairobi inaccessible for Team Kenya’s preparations.
Janeth Chepng’etich one of the athletes selected to carry Kenya’s flag in the 10000m race, was elated to lead the pack containing Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Jebet.
“I’m so happy, and I thank God for making this moment possible. Running alongside Beatrice and Agnes is an honour, and I know we’ll go and work hard in Tokyo. It all came together just as we had planned,” she said after winning the 10000m at the Kenyan trials.
Salim Mvurya, Minister for Sports said the team will be accorded all the support it needs for exemplary performance during the championships.
“You can be sure of the government’s full support as you embark on preparations as well as the support of all Kenyans who have never tired of cheering you in the stadiums and on televisions,” he said.
Athletics Kenya’s provisional team for the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships:
MEN
100m- Ferdinand Omanyala
400m- George Mutinda, Brian Onyari, Kevin Kipkorir
800m- Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Nicholas Kiplangat, Kelvin Kimutai
1500m- Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot
5000m- Nicholas Kipkorir
10,000m- Edwin Kurgat, Ishmael Rokitto, Benson Kiplangat
400m Hurdles- Wiseman Were Mukhobe
3000m S/Chase- Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop, Abraham Kibiwot
4X100m Relay- Ferdinand Omanyala, Steve Onyango Odhiambo, Meshack Kitsubuli Babu, Mark Otieno Odhiambo, Clinton Aluvi Owatinya
4X400m Relay- Allan Kipyego, Boniface Mweresa, Zablon Ekwam, Dennis Masika, David Sanayek, Kelvin Kiprotich
Marathon- Vincent Kipkemoi, Erick Kiplagat Sang, Kennedy Kimutai, Hillary Kipkoech (Reserve)
Men’s Javelin- Julius Yego
WOMEN
400m- Mary Adongo
800m- Mary Moraa, Lilian Odira, Vivian Chebet, Sarah Moraa
1500m- Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Lokayo, Dorcas Ewoi
3000SC- Faith Cherotich
5000m- Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet, Margaret Akidor
10000m- Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Jebet, Janeth Chepng’etich
Marathon- Peris Jepchirchir, Jackline Cherono, Magdaline Masai Yeko, Vivian Cheruiyot (reserve)
4X400m Mixed Relay- Mercy Chebet, Lanoline Aoko, Esther Mbagari
World Athletics Championships are held every two years, with this year’s event being the 20th edition.
During the 2023 edition in Budapest, Hungary, Kenya finished 5th overall and 1st in Africa, after clinching a total of 10 medals.
Team Kenya will be out to better the 2023 medal haul in Tokyo.
