Kenya’s rising athletic stars lit up Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium during the two-day Confederation of African Athletics under-18 and 20 national trials.

The spectacle, which showcased the country’s rich youth talent, served as the official selection ground for team Kenya ahead of the African Championship set for August in Nigeria

The most electrifying moment came in the under-20 men’s 10,000m final, where Edwin Sangutia produced a masterful performance to win in an unofficial time of 28:23.74 after a spirited battle with Reynard Kipkoech

“This was not an easy race. It was my first time running 10,000 metres and I feel very proud of what I achieved today,” said Sangutia, who previously finished third at Chepsaita cross country and 10th at Kapsokwony.

Kipkoech, a South Rift athlete born in 2007, gave Sangutia a tough chase right to the finish line.

“I am very happy to have made the team to Nigeria. What makes me even happier is that my younger brother Brian Kiptoo also qualified after winning the 2,000 m steeplechase under-18 boys’ race. We have both worked so hard, and now we aim to bring medals back home,” said Kipkoech, who earlier placed third in the Kisii cross country under-20 categories.

In the under-20 women’s 3000m finals, Miriam Chemutai Kibet delivered one of the day’s standout performances.

After finishing 29th in Machakos cross country, fifth in the Discovery Marathon, and ninth in the national championship, Chemtai surprised many by storming to victory in 9:07.67

“I did not expect to win today. This gives me the motivation to improve my speed and endurance when I return to camp,” she said.

Sheila Chepngeno, who trains at Nala Track Camp under coach Mary Ngugi, came second. Chepngeno had previously finished 16th at Sirikwa cross country and 14th at the national championship, but showed great improvements in Nakuru

The trials also highlighted Kenya’s emerging sprint power.

Melvin Kerubo from Nyanza South secured the under-18 women’s 100m crown with a time of 13.05, while Lydia Nanjala from the Western region clinched under 20 women’s 100m in 12.71 seconds

Nanjala said that her strategy was to conserve energy during the semi-finals and focus all her efforts on winning in the finals.

“My dream was to win and earn a chance to compete beyond Kenyan borders. Now I will train even harder to represent my country well,” she said.

In the under-20 men’s 100m finals, Clinton Aluvi displayed total dominance from heats through to the finals, winning in 10.55

He credited his coaches and hard work for his performance.

Athletics Kenya youth development chairman Barnabas Korir, who closely monitored the trials, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the country’s youth athletics programme.

“Compared to last year, this year’s performance is stronger, and we have seen a big increase in the number of young people eager to compete,” said Korir

He revealed that Athletics Kenya has rolled out 55 talent development camps across the country during school holidays, creating platforms for young athletes from all the regions to grow and showcase their abilities.

“We made sure no region is left out, and these camps are already producing great results,” he said.

Korir believes that if the current structures are maintained, Kenya could produce champions from this crop of young athletes by 2028 and beyond.