This archive report was first published on 14 May 2021.
On May 14, 2021, Athletics Kenya (AK) announced a significant change in their plans for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships. The trials, initially set for May 27 to 29 at the Nyayo National Stadium, have been shifted to pre-trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The decision comes after the postponement of the continental meet, which was initially scheduled for June 1-5 in Algiers, Algeria, and later rescheduled for June 24-28. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been postponed indefinitely.
According to AK Director for Competitions Paul Mutwii, the pre-trials will serve as a stepping stone for the Olympic Games trials, scheduled to take place from June 17 to 19 at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. However, the availability of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium is uncertain due to ongoing construction work.
Notably, the national championships, planned for June 10 to 12 at the Nyayo National Stadium, have been canceled for the second consecutive year. Nevertheless, Mutwii emphasized that AK Regions and institutions can still hold their events, subject to strict COVID-19 protocols and prior approval from AK.
Already, the Kenya Defence Forces Championships are scheduled to take place from May 17 to 19 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Mutwii urged athletes to continue training, as the pre-trials will provide another opportunity to attain the Olympic qualifying standards before the trials.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Algeria announced the postponement of the continental championship, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations of the scientific committee for monitoring the pandemic.
