Athletics Kenya (AK) has announced the cancellation of the World Athletics Indoor Championships trials that were scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
In a statement released on Monday, the federation cited unavoidable circumstances for the decision, confirming that the trials slated for January 30–31, 2026, will no longer go ahead.
“Athletics Kenya wishes to inform all athletes, officials and stakeholders that the World Athletics Indoor Trials that were scheduled to take place on January 30–31, 2026 in Nairobi have been cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances,” the statement read.
Following the cancellation, AK announced that the national team set to compete at the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled for March 20–22, 2026, in Kuyavian–Pomeranian, Poland—will now be selected through a time-based and merit-based process.
“In light of this development, Athletics Kenya will proceed with the selection of athletes who will represent the country at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for March 20–22, 2026 in Poland, through a time-based and merit-based selection process,” the federation said.
AK further noted that the final team will be named after the official World Athletics qualification window closes on March 8, allowing performances recorded within the qualification period to carry decisive weight.
Selection will be conducted in the men’s 60 metres, women’s 60 metres hurdles, as well as the 400m, 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m events for both men and women.
Despite the cancellation of the trials, the federation urged athletes to remain focused and continue preparing as the indoor season gathers pace.
“Athletes are advised to continue training and preparing for upcoming competitions listed on the Athletics Kenya calendar as the federation continues to monitor performances during the qualification period,” the statement added.
AK also assured athletes and stakeholders that further communication regarding the final team selection will be issued in due course.
“Any further updates regarding the World Athletics Indoor Championships and selection of the team will be communicated in due course,” the statement concluded, thanking athletes and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation.
