Omanyala to spearhead Kenya’s historic mixed relay debut in Gaborone
By Joel Masibo, March 26, 2026Kenya is set to break new ground on the global athletics stage as the country prepares to field a team in the 4x100m mixed relay for the very first time at the upcoming Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Omanyala leading charge
Leading the charge is Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, whose presence is expected to anchor Kenya’s ambitions in the landmark event. The debut marks a significant step in the country’s sprint evolution, as Kenya continues to expand its footprint beyond its traditional dominance in middle- and long-distance races.
Omanyala will be joined by a strong cast of sprinters, including Boniface Mweresa and Meshack Babu on the men’s side, alongside a talented trio of women athletes, Millicent Ndolo, Eunice Kadogo, and Lilian Aoko.
The introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay offers Kenya a fresh opportunity to showcase its growing sprint depth, blending speed and coordination between male and female athletes in a format that is gaining global recognition.
The Lefika Relays will serve as a crucial test event ahead of the World Athletics Relays 2026, where teams will be looking to secure qualification spots and build momentum on the international circuit. For Kenya, this debut is not just about participation; it signals intent to compete among the world’s elite in sprint relays.
With Omanyala’s explosive speed and a well-balanced squad, Team Kenya will be aiming to make an immediate impact and set the tone for future appearances in the mixed relay discipline. The race in Gaborone could well mark the beginning of a new chapter for Kenyan sprinting on the global stage.
Event’s significance
This event, set to be staged at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, serves as a key competition for nations, including Kenya and Nigeria, to qualify for the World Athletics Relays.
Kenya’s relay squad has been putting in the final touches at the Nyayo Stadium ahead of the contests, with a crucial test of speed, chemistry, and timing as the team builds towards the bigger goal.
Lefika Relays comes as athletes chase strong times and seamless baton exchanges, with the Africa Trials up next, which is the ultimate decider for who earns a spot at the World Relays Championships. Team Kenya will depart for the event on Thursday, March 26, 2026.