By KPC Sports Correspondent
Kenyan para athlete Stency Neema delivered a commanding performance as the Para Athletics National Trials officially kicked off on Friday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya Town.
Neema, who also competes in para-badminton and para-taekwondo, stamped her authority in the T47 women’s 100m and 200m races, winning both events with ease.
She clocked 13.0 seconds in the 100m— a qualifying time under global standards— before completing a double with victory in the 200m in 27.6 seconds.
“I’m just starting my season and my body is responding extremely well to training,” said Neema, who hails from Migori County.
“Even though I didn’t run my personal best today, I’m satisfied with the performance and I’m looking forward to a great season ahead.”
The trials also saw strong showings from other top para athletes. Samson Ojuka, Kenya’s silver medallist in the long jump at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, won the men’s T37 100m in a qualifying time of 12.6 seconds, finishing well clear of Fred Ochieng.
Ojuka is expected to compete in the long jump when action resumes on Saturday as he seeks to post another qualifying mark.
Longer Distances
In the longer distances, John Lokedi claimed victory in the men’s T13 5000m in 15:54, while Wilson Bii overcame an early tumble to win the T11 5000m in 16:23. Veteran runner Samuel Mushai finished second in 16:27, with Eric Sang placing third in 17:01.
The opening day attracted a large turnout of para athletes from across the country, underscoring the growing depth of Kenya’s para athletics scene.
“These trials serve as the primary selection platform for the national squad that will represent Team Kenya in a series of high-stakes competitions,” said Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) president Ronald Milare. “These include the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix circuit in Rabat and Tunis, regional championships, and other IPC-sanctioned events.”
Organisers have adopted an inclusive approach, extending invitations to athletes from special primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, registered clubs, community-based para-sports groups, county-sponsored athletes and independent competitors.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Kenya’s talent pipeline ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
“This is a golden opportunity for our athletes to prove their mettle on a national stage,” Milare added. “We are not only focusing on seasoned competitors, but also on discovering the next generation of talent currently in our schools and colleges.”