Refugee athletes add flavor to African Senior Championships trials at Ulinzi
Refugee athletes are set to bring added excitement to the upcoming combined trials organised by Athletics Kenya, scheduled to run for three days starting Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Five athletes from refugee backgrounds have been included in the competition, where they will be vying for slots in both the World Relays and the African Senior Championships. The group is being guided by head coach Janeth Jepkosgei Buseinei, the 2008 Olympic 800m silver medallist.
Refugee athletes
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Among them is South Sudanese middle-distance runner Perina Lokure Nakang, who competed at the 2024 Olympic Games and specializes in the 800m. She is joined by fellow South Sudanese athletes Lokoro Dario, who competes in the 5,000m, and Solomon Ayela Okeny, a 400m runner.
Also in the mix are Sudan’s 200m sprinter Kun Waar Liem and Ethiopia’s Abdifatah Aden Hassan, who focuses on the 1,500m. Their participation introduces a diverse, international element to what is expected to be a highly competitive selection event.
Their presence adds another layer of competition to an already strong Kenyan field, with more than 800 athletes having been invited to take part in the trials.
In the sprint races, Brown Muthara, currently the fastest Kenyan this season, will be up against tough challengers including national champion Meshack Babu, alongside a group of emerging talents.
On the women’s side, experienced sprinter Millicent Ndoro will face off against reigning 100m champion Esther Mbagari in what promises to be an intense showdown.
Attention will also be on the 400m races, where Mercy Oketch, who holds both national outdoor and indoor records, leads the women’s lineup, while George Mutinda, the national champion, headlines the men’s event.
Women’s action
The women’s 800m is expected to deliver thrilling action, with world champion Lilian Odira set to compete against strong contenders Sarah Moraa and Mary Moraa.
In the long-distance races, the spotlight will be on Janeth Chepng’etich, the 2023 African 10,000m champion, and Ishmael Rokitto, the 2023 World U20 cross country champion, as they take on the demanding 10,000m contest.
Field events will feature top talent as well, including javelin thrower Julius Yego, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist and five-time African champion. Having dominated the continent across multiple championships, he returns once again aiming to deliver another standout performance.
In the women’s javelin, Irene Jepkemboi, the national record holder and 2023 African U20 silver medallist, will also be in action.
