- Ferdinand Omanyala, Lilian Odira and Timothy Cheruiyot will headline Kenya’s squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Following the national trials at Nyayo National Stadium, Athletics Kenya named a 52-member contingent for the prestigious event.
- The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is set to spearhead a 52-member contingent of Kenyan athletes at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
After three days of intense competition and high-pressure showdowns at the national trials held at Nyayo National Stadium, Athletics Kenya (AK) on Saturday unveiled a formidable squad entrusted with carrying the nation’s medal ambitions to Scotland.
Omanyala, who made history at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, when he stormed to gold in the men’s 100m in 10.02 seconds, returns to the Commonwealth stage determined to successfully defend his title.
ALSO READ: Omanyala targets Commonwealth crown defence after Xiamen Diamond League win
Retaining the crown looks highly achievable given the impressive form he has displayed this season. His campaign began with victory in South Africa, where he clocked 10.19 seconds on April 10.
A week later, he dipped below the 10-second mark for the first time this year, winning in Addis Ababa in 9.98 seconds.
He then reclaimed his Kip Keino Classic title in 9.96 seconds before finishing second in Botswana in 9.95 seconds just two days later.
On the Diamond League circuit, he secured a runner-up finish in Shanghai (9.98s) and claimed victory in Xiamen (9.94s).
He later triumphed in Italy with a time of 10.11 seconds but endured a setback at the Rome Diamond League, where he placed eighth after posting the same time.
Meanwhile, joining him is world 800m champion Lilian Odira, who will be eager to add a Commonwealth title to her growing trophy cabinet, while 1,500m star Timothy Cheruiyot seeks his first Commonwealth Games gold after settling for silver in his previous two appearances.
Also included in the squad are African Championships gold medallists Kelvin Loti (800m) and Diana Wanza (10,000m), alongside national decathlon record holder Edwin Too, nine-time hammer throw champion Dominic Abunda, and world 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem.
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence in the selected team, saying he was pleased with the quality of athletes chosen to represent the country in Glasgow.
“This is the team we have selected and entrusted with flying Kenya’s flag. We wish them the very best as they head to Scotland,” Tuwei said.
He added that AK had officially handed over the team to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), which will now oversee the squad’s preparations and campaign.
“From here, we will hand over the team to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, which will manage the team from now until they return from the Commonwealth Games,” he stated.
“I am sure NOCK will take good care of you and provide the guidance you need. To those entrusted with coaching the team, ensure you look after the athletes well.”
Tuwei also challenged the athletes to rise to the occasion in Glasgow and return home with an impressive medal haul.
“Let us see strong performances in Glasgow and, of course, plenty of medals.”
Team Kenya 2026 Commonwealth Games full squad
100m Women
- Millicent Ndoro
100m Men
- Ferdinand Omanyala
- Meshack Babu
- Mark Otieno
100m Hurdles Women
- Rukia Nusra
200m Men
- Zablon Ekwam
- Elkana Sabila
400m Women
- Mercy Oketch
- Mercy Chebet
- Nancy Jepkosgei
400m Men
- Kelvin Tonui
- Boniface Mweresa
- George Mutinda
400m Hurdles Women
- Vanice Kerubo
400m Hurdles Men
- Kipkorir Kiprotich
800m Women
- Lilian Odira
- Janet Amimo
- Vivian Chebet
800m Men
- Wyclife Kinyamal
- Kelvin Loti
- Nicholas Kiplagat
One Mile Women
- Naomi Korir
- Teresiah Gateri
- Rosemary Longisa
One Mile Men
- Timothy Cheruiyot
- Reynold Cheruiyot
- Brian Komen
3,000m Steeplechase Women
- Celestine Biwott
- Faith Cherotich
3,000m Steeplechase Men
- Simon Koech
- Edmund Serem
- Leonard Bett
5,000m Women
- Caroline Nyaga
- Rebecca Mwangi
5,000m Men
- Mathew Kipsang
- Cornelius Kemboi
- Andrew Kiptoo
10,000m Women
- Diana Wanza
- Miriam Chebet
10,000m Men
- Ishmael Rokitto
- Edwin Kurgat
- Daniel Ebenyo
Race Walk Men
- Stephen Ndangiri
Race Walk Women
- Sylvia Kemboi
High Jump Men
- Asbel Kiprop
Long Jump Women
- Faith Kipsang
Triple Jump Men
- Kevin Kemboi
Hammer Throw Men
- Dominic Abunda
Shot Put Women
- Belinda Oburu
Javelin Women
- Irene Jepkemboi
Javelin Men
- Julius Yego
Decathlon
- Edwin Too