Twelve months ago, all indications were that Kenya would not host the 17th African Athletics Championships following bickering between the Government and Athletics Kenya over its organisation.

For the next five days starting today, Africa will celebrate its best in track and field as the continental competition kicks-off in Kenya at Nyayo National Stadium.

“It’s been a long journey, but finally we are here. We experienced a lot of challenges, particularly in procuring equipment to be used, but we have made it,” Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive, David Okeyo, said.

Hosting the event for the first time since it was established in 1979, Kenya has welcomed over 700 competitors from 44 nations to the event that will field 144 entrants at all disciplines.

Proceedings start at 9am local time with the 100m decathlon men followed by women 100m heats, Long jump decathlon (men), 100m heats (men), Shot put decathlon (men) and 100m Hurdles heats (women).

After the lunch break, the opening ceremony will start at 12pm and run to 2:45pm and is expected to be themed around the cultural diversity of the continent and tribute to Kenya’s athletics pedigree.

Action will resume at 3pm with the first medal event of the day, 400m Hurdles (women) with the men Shot put final (4:45pm), Hammer women (5pm) and the much awaited men 10,000m final (4:45pm) ensuring nine athletes will leave Nyayo Stadium with medals at the end of Day 1.

CAROL MUTHONDU