Blow as World Athletics indoor trials scheduled for Nairobi are cancelled
By Joel Masibo, January 27, 2026Athletics Kenya (AK) has cancelled the World Athletics Indoor Championships trials that were scheduled to take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, and Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships are slated for Friday, March 20, 2026, to Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Kuyavian–Pomeranian, Poland.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the country’s athletics governing body confirmed the cancellation of the trials, citing unavoidable circumstances.
“Athletics Kenya wishes to inform all athletes, officials and stakeholders that the World Athletics Indoor Trials that were scheduled to take place on January 30-31, 2026, in Nairobi have been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances,” the statement read.
Team selection process
AK further clarified that the national team bound for Poland will now be selected through a time-based and merit-based process.
“In light of this development, Athletics Kenya will proceed with the selection of athletes who will represent the country at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 20–22, 2026 in Poland, through a time-based and merit-based selection process,” the statement added.
The federation noted that the final selection will be conducted after the official World Athletics qualification window closes on March 8, 2026 allowing performances posted within the qualification period to carry decisive weight.
Selection will be made in the men’s 60m, women’s 60m hurdles, as well as the 400m, 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m for both men and women. Despite the cancellation of the trials, AK urged athletes to stay the course and maintain sharp focus as the indoor season gathers momentum.
“Athletes are advised to continue training and preparing for upcoming competitions listed on the Athletics Kenya calendar as the federation continues to monitor performances during the qualification period,” the statement said.
AK also assured athletes and stakeholders that further communication regarding team selection will be issued in due course.
“Any further updates regarding the World Athletics Indoor Championships and selection of the team will be communicated in due course. Athletics Kenya thanks all athletes and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation,” the statement concluded.