Kenya struck four gold medals on the final day of athletics at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games at Kenyatta University in Nairobi on Thursday, with Enock Tuitoek, Purity Munyalo, David Kapaiko and Anthony Lemoshira leading the hosts’ medal charge.
Tuitoek set the tone by winning the boys’ 3,000m in 8:01.67, holding off Ethiopia’s Goytom Mekonen Kidane, who finished second in 8:03.79, while Uganda’s Kibet Michael took bronze in 8:11.46.
Tuitoek, who missed out on selection for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, after finishing third at the Kenyan trials, said he was determined to use the Zone V Games to rebuild his confidence.
“The race has been great. I missed a chance to represent Kenya in Oregon, and coming here, I was determined to make a mark. I knew that I had it in me because training had been great. Going to the Youth Olympics, I want to plan my race well and avoid last-minute decisions,” Tuitoek said.
Field events also delivered gold for Kenya, with Purity Munyalo claiming her second title of the Games in the girls’ triple jump.
After winning the long jump on the opening day, Munyalo produced a winning leap of 12.66m, finishing well ahead of Uganda’s Marufa Dafala (10.96m) and South Sudan’s Asumpta Philip (8.39m).
David Kapaiko added another gold in the boys’ 800m, clocking 1:52.55. Clement Niyomuhoza of the Refugee Team finished second in 2:19.28.
“I got a lot of experience from the World Under-20 Championships, and coming here, I knew I was capable of winning. I have now gained experience in the 1500m and 800m, and I want to appreciate [Wycliffe] Kinyamal for his inspiration. When I go to the Youth Olympic Games, I promise to do better,” Kapaiko said.
Kenya completed its four-gold haul when Anthony Lemoshira won the boys’ 100m in 10.73 seconds, beating South Sudan’s Lul Tut Jundit (10.88) and Uganda’s Muhwezi Abraham Lincoln (11.01).
Lemoshira, who finished second at the World Under-20 Championships trials but missed out on selection for the championships in Eugene, said he was motivated by the setback and determined not to let a recent illness derail his campaign.
“Last month I was on medication because I was unwell. I qualified to go to FEASSA, and we came back on Monday. So, my body hasn’t peaked, but I have managed to defy the odds and win. Our target was 10.60, but I’m happy with my time,” Lemoshira said.
Peter Mwaura added silver for Kenya in the boys’ 400m, clocking 50.27 seconds to finish behind Uganda’s Ogenrwot Daniel, who won in 49.17.
In the girls’ 1,500m, Millicent Jepkonga also settled for silver in 4:39.73, finishing behind Ethiopia’s Elsabet Amare Tilahun (4:38.17). Uganda’s Cherotwo Baskaline took bronze in 4:44.49.
Kenya’s final-day athletics haul therefore stood at six medals; four gold and two silver, as the hosts continued their strong showing at the Games.
Day Two Kenyan podium finishes
• Gold: Enock Tuitoek — Boys’ 3,000m, 8:01.67
• Gold: Purity Munyalo — Girls’ triple jump, 12.66m
• Gold: David Kapaiko — Boys’ 800m, 1:52.55
• Gold: Anthony Lemoshira — Boys’ 100m, 10.73
• Silver: Peter Mwaura — Boys’ 400m, 50.27
• Silver: Millicent Jepkonga — Girls’ 1,500m, 4:39.73
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