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Reigning Africa Under-20 10,000 metres walking race champion Dominic Samson Ndigiti believes that Kenya’s future in the sport is bright and has called for investment if the country is to make a breakthrough in the discipline.

He said the team of five walkers produced a great performance during the 2022 World Athletics Walking Race Team Championship in Oman at the weekend which was a sign of better things to come.

“The performance was a tell-tale sign that Kenya will be one of the countries to watch and we need to nurture more talent while investing in the discipline,” said Ndigiti.

Kenya took part in the global event for the first time and her debutants did not disappoint.

During the event, national champion Samuel Gathimba produced a masterclass by beating a strong field of the world’s best walkers to win bronze for the country in the 20km race.

 Besides the feat, Gathimba recorded a season’s best (SB) time of 1. 23.52 minutes.

Youngster Heristone Wanyonyi, who’s also the World Under-20 10,000m walking race champion, continued with his alluring finish to finish fourth.

Wanyonyi was just a heartbeat away from the podium in the junior Under-20 10km race category after clocking 45.10 minutes to set a new national record in the category.

 Africa’s 20km reigning champion Emily Ngii who was the only Kenyan lady in the championship, was also impressive after she clocked her season-best time of 1:42.39 to finish 19 out of 49 global competitors in the women’s 20km.

 Another good performance was recorded by Simon Wachira who wound up in the 33rd position after crossing the finish line in a time of 1:30:17 with Ndigiti finished 43rd in a time of 1:35.42.

A former and the budding former world Under-18 bronze medalist, Wachira could not hide his excitement and hope of Kenya performing much better in future competitions.

“I can only say we have a great future. We are excited and proud of what we have done in Oman. Everyone is saying Kenya is strong, and we pride ourselves on that.

He added: “ We have demonstrated that Kenya is an all-around powerhouse in athletics, and the walking race is the next big thing the world is about to witness from us Kenya,” Ndigiti told People Sport.

He said it was hearty for the Kenyan walkers to endear themselves to fans in Oman.

“After the races, we were turned into overnight celebrities. Walking in the streets, you could hear people saying, “Kenya Strong,”. They even offered to give us two pairs of their kits in exchange for two from Kenya,” said Ndigiti.

In the meantime, Ndigiti has sensationally thanked coach George Kariuki for his selfless support for the team as well Athletics Kenya and the ministry of sports for making it possible for them to take part in the event for the first time in the country’s history.

He promised to return home more psyched and inspired as he aims to take his challenge a notch higher.

“After Oman, there’s no reverse gear in my quest to conquer the world of race walking. “I’m motivated, energized and the spirit in me will be my driving force moving forward,” said Ndigiti.