President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya's Under-20 athletics team for its strong showing at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, United States, where the country secured 11 medals.
In a statement on Monday, August 10, Ruto said Kenya finished second overall after collecting four gold, three silver and four bronze medals.
"We commend our Under-20 athletics team representing Kenya at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, United States, for a remarkable performance, securing 11 medals - four gold, three silver and four bronze - to finish second overall," he wrote.
Ruto also celebrated the athletes who won gold medals, including Wilson Chepkwech in the 1,500m, Emmanuel Kiprono in the 3,000m, Frankline Kibet in the 5,000m and Josephine Sembeyo Mancha in the women’s 1,500m.
He further recognised David Kapaiko Sekento in the 1,500m, Nehemiah Kipngeno in the 5,000m and Emmanuel Lemiso Someki in the 3,000m steeplechase for securing silver medals.
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Ruto also commended Nicholas Kitum Losiwareng, Caren Chepchirchir, Joyline Chepkemoi and Anatasha Cheptoo for winning bronze medals in the 3,000m steeplechase, women’s 1,500m, women’s 5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase respectively.
"We particularly recognise Emmanuel Kiprono for his exceptional performance in the men's 3,000m, setting a championship record of 7:28.28," he added.
Ruto said the performance by the young athletes demonstrated their commitment and determination while highlighting Kenya’s standing in international athletics.
"Your talent, discipline and determination have made our country proud and once again demonstrated Kenya's place among the world's greatest athletics nations," he further said.
Elsewhere, Kenya continued its dominance in the men's 3000m steeplechase after claiming all three medals in the event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday, July 27.
The performance at Scotstoun Stadium delivered the country's first gold medal of the Games and extended its unbeaten run in the discipline at the Commonwealth Games since 1986.
Edmund Serem led the historic clean sweep by winning the gold medal in 8:18.23 during the straight final.
Simon Koech secured the silver medal after clocking 8:18.59, while Leonard Bett completed the all-Kenyan podium with bronze after finishing in 8:21.63.
Serem expressed his delight after claiming the Commonwealth title on his debut at the Games, saying the victory was special not only for him but also for his family and the country.
"Today I’m very happy; I’ve won my title in my first Commonwealth Games. I know my family and all Kenyans are happy; more so, we went for a clean sweep for Kenya. I had like 20 calls from my father, even one hour ago, before we went to the call room," he said.
Serem shared the emotional encouragement he received from his father, who urged him to attack the water barriers confidently and offered prayers before the race.
He added;
"I talked to him, and he wrote me a very long message encouraging me to clear the water barriers and take off, and he also prayed for me. The last thing that he told me was, ‘Go, my son, go for it. I love you.'"
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