Oketch, Kibet lead Kenya’s charge as world indoor campaign gathers pace

Mercy Oketch clocked 51.57 seconds to finish second in her heat and qualify for the semi-finals. (Photo: Athletics Kenya)

By Erick Kariuki
Friday, March 20, 2026

In the men’s 400m, Brian Tinega also progressed after a composed run. The debutant timed 46.21 seconds to finish second behind Canada’s Christopher Morales-Williams, securing his place in the semi-finals.

Mercy Oketch and Noah Kibet headlined Kenya’s opening day performances at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026 in Toruń, Poland, as several athletes booked places in the next round.

Oketch, the national 400m indoor record holder, made an impressive start in her debut appearance, clocking 51.57 seconds to finish second in her heat and qualify for the semi-finals.

“I am hoping for the best in the semis. It’s my first time, I am still learning and gaining more experience,” she said, expressing optimism ahead of the next round.

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Kenya’s biggest statement of the day, however, came in the men’s 800m through Kibet. The 2022 World Indoor silver medallist delivered a commanding performance to win his heat in 1:45.84, comfortably advancing to the semi-finals.

Competing at his fourth global indoor championships, the 21-year-old looked composed and in control, underlining his intent to mount another podium challenge.

It was, however, a mixed outing for Kenya in the women’s 800m, where both Rosemary Longisa and Gladys Chepngetich exited in the heats.

Longisa finished fifth in 2:03.48 in a highly competitive race won by Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.

“The race was good. It was a bit tough, but it was a good experience. I felt good, but unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the semi-finals. I’m still grateful to represent my country,” she said.

Chepngetich also placed fifth in her heat, clocking 2:02.23 in her debut at the championships.

“It was my debut indoors, and running with professional athletes is kind of hard, but I tried,” she noted.

“I feel like I was tired from the NCAA, and also I’ve been travelling since Sunday. I pushed myself, and even though I didn’t make the semis, I believe I’ll come back stronger.”

Kenya’s campaign continues later in the evening with Susan Ejore set to compete in the women’s 1500m, before Festus Lagat takes to the track in the men’s race, as the team looks to build on a promising start in Poland.