Athletics Kenya unveils team for Tokyo Worlds amid rising doping Cases
Kenya has named a 58-member squad for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, even as a fresh wave of doping cases threatens to overshadow preparations.
Kenya has named a 58-member squad to represent the country at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, even as the sport faces renewed scrutiny over doping violations involving several high-profile athletes.
Athletics Kenya (AK) announced that the team will immediately enter residential training at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. The decision to relocate the training base from Nairobi was prompted by the unavailability of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, both of which are booked for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August.
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Speaking during the unveiling of the squad, AK President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed optimism about Kenya’s prospects at the global meet.
“I want to wish them well and I believe they will make the country proud at the World Championships. This is a team of champions, and you have all seen how the team was selected today, based on the tough competition witnessed,” said Tuwei.
Over 150 athletes took part in the trials, with the top two finishers in each event earning automatic qualification. A third athlete in each event was selected by a panel.
Among the stars to watch are triple Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon, double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), 3,000m steeplechase Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich, and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
Tuwei confirmed that the team will remain in Eldoret throughout August and return to Nairobi for final preparations once CHAN concludes.
However, the road to Tokyo is unfolding under a cloud. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has recently sanctioned several Kenyan athletes, deepening concerns about the country’s fight against doping.
Charles Kipkurui Langat is among those punished, currently serving a two-year ban for the use of testosterone. His suspension began on September 11, 2024 and runs until September 10, 2026.
Morine Gesare Michira was also banned for two years, effective from June 26, 2025, after testing positive for the banned stimulants Higenamine and Octodrine. Her results from March 23, 2025 have been annulled.
In addition, Roncer Kipkorir Konga has been provisionally suspended for the presence and use of testosterone, while world marathon record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich is under investigation following a voluntary provisional suspension for the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic commonly used as a masking agent. She was formally charged on July 17, 2025.
Outside Kenya, Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay has also been provisionally suspended after testing positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned endurance-enhancing substance.
The AIU has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating doping and reiterated that all athletes will be accorded fair hearings before the Disciplinary Tribunal.
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