Kenya eyes statement as World Relays battle heats up in Gaborone

Team Kenya heads into the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone with quiet confidence, targeting a strong showing in the mixed 4x400m, even as global heavyweights line up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive contest from Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 3 May.

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The United States arrive as the benchmark, boasting world titles, records, and defending champion status but Kenya’s recent rise in relay running suggests the gap may not be as wide as it once seemed.

Kenya underlined that progress last year in Guangzhou, securing bronze in the mixed 4x400m, and qualifying their men’s 4x100m team for the 2025 World Championships. That performance marked a turning point for a nation traditionally dominant in distance running, but now steadily building credibility in sprint relays.

Qualification stakes raise intensity

The stakes in Gaborone are high. Twelve teams will book their spots for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, with eight securing automatic qualification on day one, and four more advancing via a repechage round on day two.

Beyond qualification, the top six teams will also earn places at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest later this year.

Omanyala leads Kenya’s charge

Team Kenya will be spearheaded by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, who brings both star power and experience to the squad. He will feature in the 4x100m men and mixed relay pools alongside Ronald Koech, Mark Otieno, and Moses Wasike.

Omanyala’s presence adds explosiveness to Kenya’s lineup, but the team’s hopes in the mixed 4x400m will also rely heavily on its growing depth in the one-lap event.

In the women’s ranks, Mercy Oketch arrives in top form after recently setting a national 300m record at the Simbine Classic in South Africa, signaling Kenya’s improving strength in sprint endurance.

She is part of a solid 400m unit that includes Mercy Chebet, Hellen Syombua, Maureen Nanjala, and Anne Mbatha, supported by Margaret Naserian, and Gladys Muthoni.

On the men’s side, Kelvin Kiprotich, Dennis Masika, George Mutinda, and Kevin Kipkorir headline a deep squad, with several options available for both the men’s and mixed relay combinations.

10 things you need to know about the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone

Learning from last year, aiming higher

Kenya’s bronze medal in Guangzhou placed them behind Australia and the United States, and both rivals are back in Gaborone.

Australia, who finished second last year, will be keen to maintain their edge, while the Americans are motivated to reassert dominance after a rare baton error cost them at the World Indoor Championships earlier this year.

Team Kenya's sprint stars confident ahead of World Relays in Gaberone

But Kenya’s trajectory suggests a team on the rise.

With improved squad depth, better race execution, and athletes gaining exposure on the global stage, there is belief that the team can challenge more consistently for podium finishes.

Global field remains stacked

Beyond the USA and Australia, traditional relay powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Jamaica will all be in contention.

This depth means Kenya must deliver near-flawless baton exchanges and tactical discipline to stay competitive through the rounds.

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More than medals at stake

Kenya will field five relay teams in Gaborone, including the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the men’s 4x100m.