This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Championships concluded at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, with the military side selecting their team ahead of the national championships.
World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri, representing Laikipia Airbase, secured the women's 10,000m title with a time of 31:43.0. Joyciline Jepkosgei, the World Half marathon record holder from Modika, trailed in second place with a time of 31:43.8, while Irene Kimais of Thika took third place in 32:00.6.
Obiri, who had arrived in Kenya the previous day after competing at the Prefontaine Classic in the USA, expressed her difficulty in competing with Jepkosgei, stating, 'It was really tough because I have just arrived after a long journey and I think I did my best considering it was my first time competing in 10k at the KDF championship.'
Obiri is yet to decide whether she will compete in the 1500m or 10,000m at the national championship, which will also serve as trials for the World Championships. She mentioned that she may choose to compete in the 1500m or 5000m, using the 10,000m as a means to improve her endurance.
Other notable winners at the championships included African High Jump champion Mathew Sawe, who retained his title with a 2.15 metres jump, and Mike Mokamba of Moi Airbase, who won the men's 200m with a time of 20.5.
