National Championships: Omanyala still the sprint king but new winners emerge

Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala dropped a 9.96-second display to retain his men's 100m title at the National Athletics Championships at the Nyayo Stadium.

The African record holder had earlier anchored the Police team to victory in the men's 4x100m relays before sealing the double on the day with his solo honour.

"I am happy I have run under 10 seconds and of course to win gold for my employers (Police). I am now taking a break for some days before competing at the Monaco Diamond League. The ultimate goal is the World Championships in Budapest," said Omanyala.

Saturday’s events, highlighted Omanyala’s sprint magic, marked the end of the three-day national championships that produced of exciting performances.

It also brought down the curtains on the local track and field season that commenced with the Athletics Kenya weekend meetings in February.

In the women’s 5000m, Lilian Kasait floored world 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech to take the crown.

Kasait of Prisons clocked 15:01.37 ahead of Chepkoech who timed 15:01.78

In the corresponding men's race, Daniel Simiu of Police put in a dominant display to triumph in 13:34.25 ahead of Bravin Kogei of KDF who finished second in 13:37.64

"For me I treat every race as a final and that is why I try to give my best every time I compete. I am now shifting my focus to the national trials with a target to compete at the national championships," said Simiu.

Commonwealth Games 1500m champion Beatrice Chebet of Police was crowned the national champion in the women's 1500m where she triumphed in  4:06.09  ahead of Miriam Cherop of Prisons who timed 4:07.06

"I am happy for this win. The race was competitive especially coming up against seasoned athletes in 1500m which is not my speciality. I wanted to work on my speed ahead of the Stockholm Diamond League," said Chebet.

Kyumbe Munguti, the world cross country mixed relay champion reigned supreme in the men's race after he clocking 3:39.11 ahead of Vincent Keter of Keter of Prisons who finished second.

"It was a sweet victory but I still have another tough assignment at the trials. I know it will be competitive but I will do my best," said Munguti.

New winners were also crowned in the men's and women's 3000m steeplechase where Simon Koech of KDF triumphed in the men's race after clocking 8:26.58 while Pamela Kosgei of North Rift roared in the women's race after timing 9:35.25.

Kipngetich Ngeno of Prisons claimed victory in the men's 800m race after stoping the timer in 1:44.90 ahead of Cornelius Tuwei of KDF who finished second in 1:44.92

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa of Police stormed to victory in 1:59.85

Former world javelin champion Julius Yego of Police threw 81.84m to claim the national title with Alexander Kiprotich of KDF placing second with a throw of 75.61m