AK moves U20 trials earlier to boost Team Kenya readiness for Eugene
By Joel Masibo, April 18, 2026Athletics Kenya has rescheduled the national selection event for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships Eugene 2026, bringing the trials forward as part of efforts to strengthen preparations ahead of the international competition scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 to Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Eugene.
In an official communication, the federation has announced that the trials will now take place between May 21 and May 23 at the Nyayo National Stadium, instead of the earlier planned June 26–27 dates at the same venue.
Preparing for Eugene
“Kenya is preparing to field a strong and competitive team for the championships,” the statement read, emphasising the country’s determination to assemble a powerful lineup for the global contest.
“Athletics Kenya wishes to inform athletes and all stakeholders within the athletics fraternity that the national trials for the event will now be held from May 21–23, 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium.”
“The trials had initially been scheduled for June 26–27, 2026 at the same venue,” the statement added.
By advancing the trials, the federation is taking a proactive step designed to give athletes more time to polish their fitness levels, refine competition strategies, and complete essential travel and administrative arrangements ahead of the championships.
“This change has been made to allow adequate time for the completion of administrative processes and other requirements for the selected team,” the federation explained.
Revised timeline
With the revised timeline now in place, the governing body has encouraged upcoming athletes and relevant stakeholders to review their training schedules and ensure they are fully prepared for the new dates.
“We urge all prospective participants to take note of this change and adjust their preparations accordingly.”
More information, such as the roster of invited competitors and the guidelines for selecting Team Kenya representatives, is expected to be released later once the federation completes its final planning for the Eugene championships.