Junior international Joyline Chepkemoi once again demonstrated her distance running prowess by retaining her women’s 5,000m title at the ongoing Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games, held at Eregi Teachers Training College grounds on Wednesday. Having claimed the same title last year in Mbale, Uganda, Chepkemoi clocked 15:51.4 to clinch gold in convincing fashion. The win follows her recent bronze medal at the Africa U20 Championships, reinforcing her status as one of the region’s top young talents. She was followed by fellow Kenyan Mercy Chepkemoi of Tiloa, who secured silver in 16:29.7. Uganda’s Prisca Chepkemoi took home the bronze medal in 17:41.9. Joyline, who trains in Cheptonon, expressed her satisfaction after the race:
I want to thank God for retaining my title as this was my goal. It was a good race, and the competition was easy.
Joyline ChepkemoiShe also revealed her next focus is on the cross-country season:
From here, I will shift gears to cross country. My target is to make Team Kenya for the World Cross Country Championships
Joyline ChepkemoiOriginally, the track and field events were slated for Bukhungu Stadium. However, concerns over its poor condition led to a venue shift to Eregi TTC. Despite this logistical hiccup, the athletes rose to the occasion and delivered standout performances
Kenya Shines in Men’s 5,000m and Sprints
In the men’s 5,000m, Kenya’s Emmanuel Kiprono emerged victorious, clocking 14:02.1 to take gold. Uganda’s Thomas Cheptoyek came in second at 14:23.4, while Israel Cheptoyek, also from Uganda, finished third in 14:50.8. Kenya’s sprint sensation Brian Okoth of Riooga finally claimed gold in the 100m after two previous failed attempts. The three-time National Secondary Schools 100m champion posted a winning time of 10.4 seconds, edging out compatriot Luis Haweli, who settled for silver in 10.7 seconds. Uganda’s Joshua Bwambale completed the podium in 11.0 seconds.
Okoth also played a pivotal role in Kenya’s relay victories. He anchored Team Kenya to gold in both the men’s 4x100m relay and the men’s medley relay. It has been a good championship for me so far. He reiterated of how he was happy with his performance and hoped to crown the games with the 200m gold
More Gold for Kenya in Middle Distance and 400m Races
Kenya continued its dominance in track and field, with Judy Kemunto winning gold in the women’s 1,500m in 4:14.0, followed closely by Faith Chebet in 4:18.0. Uganda’s Chebet Zamurah finished third in 4:49.0. In the men’s 1,500m, Wilson Chepkwech posted 3:44.0 to narrowly beat Uganda’s Raymond Omara, who also clocked 3:44.0, in a thrilling sprint finish. Kenya’s Ibrahim Kipruto claimed bronze in 3:48.6. In the women’s 400m, Nancy Jepkosgei powered past junior international Faith Onserio to win gold in 54.8 seconds. Onserio settled for silver in 55.8, while Uganda’s Mary Apoko took bronze with a time of 58.6.
Conclusion
The 2025 FEASSSA Games in Kakamega have seen Kenya reaffirm its dominance in track and field, with standout performances from Joyline Chepkemoi, Brian Okoth, and others. As the competition continues, the Kenyan team looks poised to maintain its stronghold across multiple disciplines, with rising stars already shifting focus to continental and global championships
