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Lynette Matheka in Arusha

Nineteen-year-old Solomon Boit clocked 29:29.7 to clinch gold in boys’ 10,000m as the East Africa Secondary Schools Games’ athletics programme started at the Sheikh Abeid Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania yesterday. 

Facing stiff competition from fellow Kenyan Noah Kimutai, Tanzania’s Matayo Sombi and Kenyan-born Ugandan Andrew Kwemoi, the Sochoi Secondary athlete kept his rivals close before breaking away in the last two laps for the win. 

Sombi stunned Kwemoi and Kimutai racing to silver at 30:01.3 with bronze going to Uganda’s Kwemoi who clocked 30:46.7. 

Boit replaced national games gold medallist Bravin Kiptoo at the East Africa games after the holder chose to participate in the ongoing Athletics Kenya World Championship trials.

“I was coming off a serious injury from a motorcycle accident that kept me away from the school games last year. I also suffered an ankle injury early this year but this win gives me confidence that I’m fully fit,” said Boit.

In boys’ 1,500m, Cornelius Kemboi led Felix Korir in bagging gold and silver as Rwanda’s last Ingabire Victoire won bronze.  

Feliciana Kanda (17:13.6) handed Kenya another gold in girls’ 5,000m with Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek (17:59.5) second ahead of Kenya’s  Betty Chelagat (18:18.3).

Janet Chepkoech bagged another gold for Kenya in girls’ 1,500m ahead of Ugandan Babra Ajupo and compatriot Violah Chepkurui who settled for silver and bronze in that order. 

Kenya’s Dorothy Chepng’etich threw 45.95m for gold in girls’ javelin ahead of compatriot Irene Jepkemboi (43.90m) with Uganda’s Langom Bibiana (41.87) getting bronze.