By KPC Sports Reporter
New talents emerged as the 2026 Para Athletics National Trials concluded successfully at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County.
The two-day event attracted 312 para athletes from 26 counties and served as the primary selection platform for athletes eyeing national representation in upcoming international competitions.
Stency Neema was among the standout performers, dominating the women’s T47 100m and 200m races.
The Migori-based athlete, who also competes in para-badminton and para-taekwondo, won the 100m in 13.0 seconds, a qualifying time under global standards, before claiming the 200m title in 27.6 seconds.
“I’m just starting my season and my body is responding extremely well to training,” said Neema.
“Even though I didn’t run my personal best, I’m satisfied with my performance and excited about the season ahead.”
Paralympic silver medallist Samson Ojuka impressed in the men’s T37 events, winning the 100m in a qualifying time of 12.6 seconds ahead of Fred Ochieng. Ojuka also recorded a strong performance in the T37 long jump with a best leap of 5.75 metres.
In the men’s 5,000m races, John Lokedi won the T13 category in 15:54, while Wilson Bii recovered from an early fall to claim the T11 title in 16:23, beating veteran runner Samuel Mushai to second place. Eric Sang finished third.
Lokedi later placed second in the men’s T12/T13 1,500m, clocking 4:05.4, as Victor Cheruiyot won the race in 4:02.6.
A major upset was recorded in the men’s T46/T47 1,500m, where Evans Ruto, who began his athletics career in 2023, stunned favourite Wesley Sang to win in 4:10.2. Sang finished second, while Aron Kimutai was third.
Local Organising Committee chairman Dennis Muga said the trials exceeded expectations in both turnout and talent.
“This was a very successful exercise. We are excited by the numbers and the quality of new athletes,” he said, adding that future events will be taken to more counties with accessible facilities.
Kenya National Paralympic Committee president Ronald Milare said the trials will guide selection for Team Kenya ahead of the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix circuit in Rabat and Tunis, regional championships and other IPC-sanctioned events.
The inclusive trials were open to athletes from special schools, colleges, universities, registered clubs, community-based groups, county-sponsored athletes and independent participants, as part of preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.