Kenya ends 14-year wait for African men’s 10,000m gold in Accra
By Joel Masibo, May 14, 2026Kenya finally reclaimed the African men’s 10,000 metres title after a 14-year drought, thanks to a brilliant performance by Kelvin Chesang at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026.
Chesang produced a strong finish to win the gold medal in a tightly contested race, clocking 28:30.44 to cross the line ahead of Ethiopia’s Hagos Eyob Gared, who settled for silver after posting 28:30.57. Fellow Kenyan Silas Senchura completed the podium positions after securing bronze in 28:32.66.
The victory marked a major milestone for Kenya, ending a long wait for continental glory in the men’s 10,000m race. The country last won the title in 2012 when Kenneth Kipkemoi triumphed during the championships held in Porto-Novo, Benin.
Chesang’s triumph highlighted Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running and provided Team Kenya with one of the standout moments of the championships in Ghana.
Mixed relays’ success
Elsewhere, Kenya also celebrated success in the mixed 4x400m relay after the quartet of Samuel Chege, Laoline Aoko, Dennis Masika and Maureen Najala combined to win bronze.
The Kenyan team clocked 3:17.94 to finish third behind champions Nigeria, who claimed gold with a time of 3:16.44. The podium finish added to Kenya’s growing medal haul at the continental event.
Earlier in the evening, Kenyan decathlete Edwin Too also impressed after clinching silver in the decathlon, capping a successful day for Team Kenya at the championships in Accra.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s strong performances across both track and field events underline the country’s determination to maintain its status as one of Africa’s athletics powerhouses as the championships continue in Ghana.
Team Kenya squad
100m Women
Millicent Ndoro
Lilian Aoko
Eunice Kadogo
100m Men
Ronald Koech
Mark Odhiambo
Moses Wasike
100m hurdles Women
Rukia Nusra
200m Women
Lilian Aoko
200m Men
Dennis Mwai
Ronald Koech
Elkana Sabila
400m Women
Mercy Chebet
Hellen Syombua
Maureen Wafula
400m Men
Kelvin Kiprotich
Dennis Masika
George Mutinda
400m hurdles Women
Gladys Ngure
Vanice Kerubo
400m hurdles Men
Kipkorir Rotich
Edward Ngunjiri
800m Women
Vivian Chebet
Alice Ekiru
Pauline Ndusu
800m Men
Kelvin Loti
Laban Chepkwony
Brian Masai
1500m Women
Mary Ekiru
Faith Chebet
Vivian Chebet
1500m Men
Reynold Cheruiyot
Brian Komen
Dominic Barngetuny
3000m steeplechase Women
Diana Chepkemoi
Mercy Chepngeno
Mercy Mageso
3000m steeplechase Men
Peter Rono
Shadrack Too
5000m Women
Maurine Chebor
Joyline Chepkemoi
Cynthia Chepkurui
5000m Men
Denis Kemboi
Andrew Alamisi
Laban Kosgei
10000m Women
Diana Wanza
Mercy Mageso
Phenah Yego
10000m Men
Kevin Chesang
Silas Senchura
Mathew Kipkoech
20km race walk Women
Sylvaia Kemboi
Caren Simiyu
20km race walk Men
Samuel Gathimba
Stephen Ndangiri
High jump Women
Faith Kipsang
High jump Men
Asbel Kemboi
Long jump Women
Zeddy Jesire
Long jump Men
Isaac Kimunu
Triple jump Women
Martha Nyabuto
Faith Kipsang
Winnie Bii
Triple jump Men
Amos Mwendwa
Gilbert Pkemoi
Kevin Kiprono
Shot put Women
Belinda Oburu
Sarah Okumu
Discus Women
Caroline Cherotich
Hammer Women
Roseline Rakamba
Hammer Men
Dominic Abunda
Javelin Men
Boniface Kilonzo
Alexander Kiprotich
Julius Yego
Javelin Women
Caroline Odwory
Decathlon
Edwin Too