Age cheats put on notice as AK picks African U18/U20 Champs stars

Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital from the United States where he was attending the NCAA Championships, Kitilit called for thorough vetting during accreditation and bib number issuance on Friday, insisting that fairness must prevail at all levels of competition.

“We have talented athletes from Baringo, especially from our Sinonin Development Centre, but age cheating is becoming a nightmare,” said Kitilit.

 “It undermines fairness because someone wants to win something they have not earned.”

The trials will be used to select Team Kenya for the CAA African U18/U20 Championships slated for July 16–20 in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Athletics Kenya plans to pick a total of 45 athletes—18 in the U18 category and 27 in the U20 category.

While U20 athletes must meet the CAA qualifying standards, the U18 category remains open, which Kitilit fears could open doors to age manipulation if not well monitored.

“The process must be clean. Let only eligible athletes get the chance to represent Kenya,” he added.

He expressed confidence in Baringo’s young talents who will be battling for slots in Nakuru.

The team includes Kelvin Kiprop (3000m), Charles Kiboino (10,000m), Rodgers Chelal, Nicholas Kipkosgei (2000m SC), Peter Pangai (1500m), Mercy Kipkorir and Magdaline Jepkonir (3000m), Abigael Kipsang (long/triple jump), Brian Kandie (3000m SC) among others.

“It’s a good team. Kiprop is our national cross country champion, Chelal has shown great growth, and Kiboino is capable of rising above his category,” said Kitilit.

Kiprop was dominant earlier this year, winning the U20 men’s 8km race at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret in 24:57.4, edging out Frankline Kibet and Emmanuel Lemiso in a thrilling finish.

Kitilit also celebrated the performance of Kenyan student-athletes at the NCAA Championships in Oregon, where Baringo’s own Ishmael Kipkurui won the men’s 10,000m title in 29:07.70.

Kipkurui, a former Sinonin camp athlete now at the University of New Mexico, produced a tactical masterclass to beat Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel and Kenya’s Ernest Cheruiyot.

“That victory was special. Out of 28 athletes from Townhall Athletics Club at the NCAA, six came from our Baringo camp. That tells you the kind of potential we are nurturing,” Kitilit noted.

He commended the role of Townhall Athletics Club and its U.S.-based mentors William Ngetich and Silas Kiplagat, whose support has seen the club athletes win five of the six NCAA titles secured by the country this year.