Commonwealth Games: Athletes set to battle for spots at Nyayo trials

Athletics Kenya will use the upcoming National Championships as trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes set to compete for places in Kenya.

The championships will be held at Nyayo National Stadium from June 18 - 20 and will help Athletics Kenya identify athletes who will represent the country at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

Speaking ahead of the event, Athletics Kenya Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii said the competition will bring together athletes from the federation's 12 regions, as well as affiliates such as the Kenya Defence Forces, training institutions and Kenyan athletes based abroad.

"We expect athletes from all the 12 regions, including some of Kenya's best athletes from the diaspora and our affiliate institutions such as KDF and training colleges," said Mutwii.

Mutwii said Athletics Kenya is targeting a team of 49 athletes for the Games, but stressed that selection will be based on strict qualification criteria.

According to the AK official, athletes must be accredited by and must have participated in at least two or three approved competitions to be eligible for consideration.

"We are looking at a team of 49 athletes for Glasgow, but every athlete must meet the qualification requirements set for the Games," he said.

He added that athletes who meet the set standards and earn selection at the championships will be submitted to National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) for final accreditation ahead of the Games.

"The athletes who qualify will be handed over to NOC-K for accreditation ahead of the Games," he added.

Mutwii also highlighted the awards structure for the championships, noting that gold, silver and bronze awards will be presented in three categories: the top three overall men, the top three overall women and the top three most improved athletes.

The Athletics Kenya senior vice president further thanked KCB for supporting the event.

"We appreciate KCB Bank for partnering with us and supporting our athletes. Their contribution goes a long way in ensuring the success of these championships," said Mutwii.

The three-day championships are expected to provide athletes with a crucial opportunity to secure places in Team Kenya ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.