Athletics Kenya issues strict documentation warning ahead of World U20 trials
By Luke Oluoch, May 15, 2026Athletics Kenya has delivered a stern warning to upcoming sportsmen ahead of the rescheduled national selection event for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships to be held in Eugene, Oregon, USA, in 2026.
In a statement on Friday, May 15, 2026, Athletics Kenya Youth Development Chairman Barnaba Korir confirmed the three-day showdown will kick off from May 21, and May 23 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Notably, he also disclosed that age verification has been made a major and compulsory requirement for participation. According to Korir, all athletes will be required to present original and authentic documentation to prove their ages, a declaration that contrasts the talent of the athletes with the harsh reality of sports administration.
Age verification
“Athletes must present proper documentation to verify their ages,” Korir said. “All athletes must present original and authentic documentation to prove their ages,”
Korir further revisited the decision to reschedule the trials date from the earlier planned June 26–27 dates.
“The decision to bring the trials forward was strategically aimed at allowing ample time for athletes and officials to secure American visas early, while also giving the selected squad sufficient time to fine-tune preparations ahead of the global junior extravaganza in Oregon,” Korir said.
New dates
AK further stated that the trials will be strictly by invitation, with more than 200 junior athletes expected to be invited.
The international competition is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Eugene.
Kenya is preparing to field a strong and competitive team for the championships, with the trial set to assemble a powerful lineup for the global contest.
Team Kenya representatives are expected to be released later once the federation completes its final planning for the Eugene championships.
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.