Kenya’s top paralympic athletes could feature at this month’s National Athletics Championship after the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) formally petitioned Athletics Kenya (AK) to include them in the three-day competition slated for June 26-28, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The move is crucial for Kenya as it could boost their international ranking ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the LA 2028 Paralympics.

In a letter to AK’s Technical Director through Stanley Mutuma, the Secretary General of KNPC, the committee stressed the value of the championship in preparing Kenyan Para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.

“KNPC is participating in a series of international Para Athletics world ranking and qualifier events as a pathway for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the LA 2028 Paralympic Games,” said KNPC Secretary General Stanley Mutuma in a statement.

According to KNPC, the national Para-athletes are undergoing intensive training and participating in competitive trials to meet their MQSs and improve their specific international rankings.

Sheila Wanyonyi (T12, Javelin), Stency Obonyo (T47, 100m & 200m), Robert Kiprotich (T46, Long Jump) and Samson Ojuka (T37, Long Jump) are just a few of the 14 selected Para-athletes on KNPC’s roster.

These athletes, who represent a range of classifications and events, demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to developing a broad spectrum of para-sports talent.

“We are kindly writing to request that you include the participation of our Para-athletes to compete in this championship,” the statement reads.

According to KNPC, the inclusion of these athletes in national championships supports Kenya’s mission to advance diversity and inclusivity in sports.

KNPC also expressed their gratitude to Athletics Kenya for its ongoing assistance and collaboration in the growth of para-sports in the country.

“Thank you for the continued partnership and your support in the development of para-sports in Kenya,” the statement reads.