A new wave of Kenyan athletic brilliance emerged at Nakuru's Afraha Stadium over the weekend as the country's most promising talents fought for a spot in the national team for the 2025 African Under-18 and Under-20 Championship, set for Nigeria in August.

The two-day trials delivered not just victories but moments that hinted at a golden future for Kenyan athletics.

Brothers Ronald Kipkoech and Brian Kiptoo, both from the South Rift region, were among the standouts.

In a fierce contest that had the crowd on its feet, Kipkoech delivered a gutsy performance in the Under-20 men’s 10,000m final. Locked in a dramatic neck-and-neck battle with Edwin Elkana of Western, the race came down to milliseconds — Elkana winning in 28:24.13, with Ronald barely a step behind at 28:24.32.

“It was not easy, but I pushed through. It was my first time racing 10,000m — now I know where to improve,” said Elkana.

Kipkoech, who had registered podium finishes at both the Kisii and Chepsaita Under-20 cross country meets, was happy with his second-place finish at Afraha.

His younger brother Brian Kiptoo made him even prouder as he stormed to victory in the Under-18 boys’ 2000m steeplechase, clocking 5:31.96 and securing his ticket to Nigeria.

“I am proud of what we have achieved. We worked hard for this, and representing Kenya together with my brother means everything,” said Kipkoech.

The trials were not just a showcase of winners — they were a statement of intent. Athletes like Clinton Aluvi from the Central region stood out with a commanding sprint double in the Under-20 men's 100m, finishing in 10.55 seconds, and 200m, finishing in 21.02 seconds.

Melvin Kerubo from Nyanza South showed her class in the Under-18 girls’ 100m with a time of 13.04 seconds and 26.57 seconds in the 200m. Her Nyanza South compatriot, Brian Akoth, proved his consistency, finishing second in both sprints — 10.66 seconds in the 100m and 21.34 seconds in the 200m.

In the Under-18 boys’ category, Lawi Kiplangat Ngetich from Central Rift starred in the 800m, clocking 1:48.89, and also competed in the 1500m.

In the Under-20 women’s 3000m, Miriam Chemutai Kibet stunned the field with a blistering run of 9:08.05, surprising even herself after a season of tough races.

“I did not expect a win today. It was not easy, but I just did my best,” said Chemutai.

Nairobi's Nancy Chepngetich claimed the Under-20 women’s 800m win in 2:04.66, while Judy Chepkoech powered to victory in the 1500m.

In the Under-20 men’s 5000m, South Rift's Dennis Kipkoech and Frankline Kibet dominated, while Cynthia Chepkurui from Nairobi impressed with a rare double in the Under-18 girls’ 3000m.