Athletics Kenya names 21 for May's World Relay Championships

Athletics Kenya has named a squad of 21 athletes to compete for top honours at the World Relay Championships to be held in Guangzhou China 10 and 11 May 2025.

The squad will be captained by 100-metre sensation Ferdinand Omanyala, while on the women's side, Mary Moraa the 800-metre stalwart, will lead the squad.

The team will set up at either the Ulinzi Sports Complex track or at the Moi International Stadium Kasarani to begin preparations.

Kenya will compete in two different disciplines, the 4x100 metre relays for men and the 4x400 metre relays for both the men, women and mixed relays.

On the men's side, Omanyala will be assisted by his younger brother Isaac Omurwa and Mark Otieno.

Athletics Kenya CEO Jack Tuwei is confident that the team chosen will do well and fly the country's flag high.

"The selection of this team marks the beginning of our journey towards the World Championships in Tokyo this September," the long-serving athletics boss said in an interview with Radio Generation Sport.

The world championships take place in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

"Next year, Africa will host the World Relays for the first time, and this team sets the pace," he added.

The 2026 World Relay Championships will be held in Gaborone, Botswana.

Selected Athletes

100m Men:

Meshack Kitsbuli Babu (KDF), Moses Onyango Wasike (Western), Isaac Omurwa Kundu (University), Steve Onyango, Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Otieno Odhiambo (Police).

400m Women: Mercy Adongo Oketch (KDF), Mercy Chebet (South Rift), Esther Mbagari Okang'a (Prisons), Lanoline Aoko Owino (KDF), Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera (Southern), Gladys Mumbe David (Police), Hellen Syombua Kalii (Police) and Mary Moraa.

400m Men:

Kevin Kipkorir (North Rift), Tinega Brian Onyari (Police), Allan Kipyego (Police), Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui (Nairobi), Boniface Mweeresan Ontuga (KDF), David Sanayek Kapirante (Prisons), and Wiseman Were (KDF).

Team Officials

Kennedy Tanui – Technical Leader

Catherin Kagwiria – Coach/Safeguarding

Stanley Towett – Coach

Thomas Musembi – Coach

Simon Riga – Coach

Edwin Kiptoo – Physio