KBC Channel 1

Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Ruto breaks ground for construction of a Ksh 1 billion Gusii stadium

    Ruto breaks ground for construction of a Ksh 1 billion Gusii stadium

    President William Ruto on Sunday evening launched the KSh 1 billion upgrading of the Gusii stadium in Kisii County.

    The stadium, which is home to the Premier League side Shabana FC, will host 14,000 spectators once completed within 9 months.

    Ruto further pledged KSh 20 million to Shabana FC, which they will use to secure an alternative venue for their home matches for the period the stadium will be under construction.

    The president also donated a new bus to the club.

    Ruto will tour Nyamira and Kisii counties in his four-day development tour of the region.

  • Omanyala highlights team Kenya for Botswana World Relays

    Omanyala highlights team Kenya for Botswana World Relays

    Commonwealth 100m Champion Ferdinand Omanyala will lead a team of 35 athletes for next month’s World Athletics Relays in Gaberone, Botswana.

    The team was picked on Saturday after the conclusion of a three-day national trial at the Ulinzi Complex.

    Omanyala will dash in both the men’s 4x100m and the mixed 4x100m relay.

    The 4x100m and 4x100m mixed teams consist of Ronald Koech, Mark Otieno, Moses Wasike Onyango, Dennis Wangui, Ferdinand Omanyala, Samuel Chege and Steven Odhiambo, while the 4x100m mixed team for women comprises Millicent Ndoro, Diana Aoko and Eunice Kadogo.

    Mercy Oketch, Mercy Chebet, Heleln Syombua, Maurine Wafula, Ann Nzula, Margaret Naisula, Gladys Ngure, Purity Chepkoech and Lonoline Owino make up the 4×400 m mixed relay team.

    Brian Tinega, Kelvin Tonui, Dennis Mulongo, George Mutinda, Kevin Kipkorir, Danson Kibet, Erick Kimathi, Kipkorir Rotich, Allan Kipyego, and Erastus Musilu will compete in both the 4x400m men’s and the 4x400m mixed.

    Kenya will be aiming to better its 2025 outing in Guangzhou, China, where it bagged a bronze medal in the 4x400m mixed relay.

    This year’s World Athletics Relays is pencilled for  2nd and 3rd next month in Botswana.

     

     

     

  • Bigwigs ignored as AK pick 74 athletes for Africa Senior Championship

    Bigwigs ignored as AK pick 74 athletes for Africa Senior Championship

    Kenya will be represented by 74 athletes at the 24th Africa Senior Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from May 12th to 17th.

    The selection of the team followed a three-day national trial, which concluded on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

    In contrast to previous years, world and Olympic champions did not participate in the trials, giving an opportunity to young athletes, most of whom hail from Youth camps throughout the country.

    Moses Wasike Onyango, Mark Otieno, and Ronald Koech are set to compete in the 100m event, while Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, was not included but will instead join the World Relays team.

    The women’s 100m lineup features Millicent Ndoro, Eunice Kadogo, and Diana Aoko.

    A similar situation occurred in the 800m, with many new athletes being selected, save for the  Olympian Vivian Chebet, who will lead Alice Ekiru and Pauline Muhonja.

    The men’s 800m race will include Kelvin Kumtai, Laban Kipkorir, and Brian Musyoka.

    Chebet will double in the 1500m event alongside Faith Chebet and Mary Nyaruai.

    On the men’s side, World bronze medalist Reynold Cheruiyot will spearhead the team, which also includes Brian Komen and Dominic Kiptoo.

    World under-20 bronze medalist Diana Chepkemoi will compete in the 3000 msc, joined by Mercy Koskey and Mercy Chepng’eno, while Peter Rono and Shadrack Too will represent the Kenyan men’s team.

    World under-20 champion in 3000m, Cynthia Chepkirui, last year’s national cross country champion, Maurine Chebor and Africa under-20 bronze medalist in 3000m Joyline Chepkemoi make up the 5000m women’s team

    Leading the 12.5-lap race is World under-20 champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, accompanied by Dennis Kemboi and Laban Kiptoo.

    For the 24-lap race, the women’s team includes the in-form Diana Wanza, Mercy Chepngeno, and Phena Siyoi, while the men’s 10,000m team comprises Silas Senchura, Mathew Koech, and Kevin Chesang.

    The team will report for a residential training camp later this month before leaving for Ghana next month.

     

  • Tergat,Gebrselassie faults marathons exclusion from championships

    Tergat,Gebrselassie faults marathons exclusion from championships

    Five-time World cross-country champion Paul Tergat and former marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia have faulted the recent decision by World Athletics to remove marathon races from major championships starting in 2030.

    Speaking in Nairobi on Friday night when he graced the 22nd Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) gala, Gebrselassie

    “It doesn’t matter because you know at the end of the day, it’s a culture, it’s a tradition, and I don’t understand why they removed it. Athletics sports are a hard way too; they should have to keep it as it is.” Gebrselassie said
    On his part, Tergat termed the move unfortunate, adding that World Athletics could have considered the weather patterns for other regions instead.

    “My take is that it is very unfortunate that the marathon has been removed from the World Championship. I believe that it gives an opportunity to many other sportsmen and women who might not be able to compete in 10k or 5k. The only thing for me is that even in the Winter Olympic Games there are so many countries that don’t have winter, like Africa, some parts of Asia, some parts of South America and all that. But we want to compete in the Winter Games, so cross-country will be one of the key things that will be able to give opportunities to many men and women who are very good at cross-country. So I just want to say again it’s unfortunate that it has been passed; it’s been decided, and we hope maybe as time goes we will be able to see how things are developing.” Tergat stated

    World Athletics that marathon and road running races will have their own world championships from 2030 with alternating years between men’s and women’s marathons.

  • Harambee Starlets to face India in FIFA Series this evening

    Harambee Starlets to face India in FIFA Series this evening

    The national women’s soccer team, the Harambee Starlets, will play India in the second semi-final of the inaugural FIFA Series from 5pm on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

    The match will be preceded by Australia against Malawi in the first semi from 2pm, with winners meeting in the final on the 15th of April.

    Harambee starlets are using the FIFA friendlies as preparations for their 2nd WAFCON appearance in Morocco between July and August this year.

  • Wanyonyi and Chebet crowned SOYA’s finest again!

    Wanyonyi and Chebet crowned SOYA’s finest again!

    Reigning World Champions Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet were crowned the overall best at the 22nd Sports Personality of the Year Award (SOYA) for the second year running in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

    The colourful gala staged at the Uhuru Garden on Friday night recognised sportsmen and women who excelled in 2025 across various sports disciplines and was graced by Ethiopia’s legendary athlete Haile Gebrselassie.

    Wanyonyi was crowned the finest in the men’s category ahead of London Marathon champion Sebastien Sawe and Harambee Stars winger Ryan Ogam, who finished as 1st and 2nd runner-up, respectively.

    Chebet, who bagged double gold in both 5,000m and 10,000m last year, was voted the best ahead of fellow world champions Faith Kipyegon and Faith Cherotich, who were ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

    Full list of winners

    Hall of Fame inductees

    1. Tegla Lorupe 2. Edward Rombo

    School Coach of the Year

    1. Godfrey Simiyu-Handball

    School Team of the Year Girls

    1. Moi Girls Kamusinga-Handball

    2. Kwanthanze Girls-Volleyball

    3. St Joseph’s Girls Kitale-Hockey

    School Team of the Year Boys

    1. St Luke’s Boys High School, Kimilili-Handball

    2. Cheptil Boys Secondary School -Volleyball

    3. St. Peter’s Boys High School-Rugby Sevens

    SOYA Girl of the Year

    1. Maylene Tata-Volleyball

    2. Kanana Muthomi-Golf

    3. Mercy Kerubo-Weightlifting

    SOYA Boy of the Year

    1. Shane Chandaria-Motorsport

    2. Jadon Simiyu-Chess

    3. Humphrey Aroko- Football

    Coach of the Year 

    Jaclkine Baraza-Volleyball

    Team of the year women

    1. Junior Malkia Strikers-Volleyball

    2. Harambee Starlets-Football

    3. Kenya Lionesses-Rugby

    Team of the Year Men

    1. Nairobi United-Football

    2. Junior Wafalme Stars-Volleyball

    3. Nairobi City Thunder-Basketball

    Sportswoman with Disability

    1. Sheila Wanyonyi-Para Athletics

    2. Nancy Chelangat-para Athletics

    3. Joyce Njuguna-Para Powerlifting

    Sportsman with Disability

    1. Ian Kahnga-Deaflymopics

    2James Mwanza-Deaflympiucs

    3. Elkana Kiprop-Deaflympics

    Sportswoman of the Year

    1. Beatrice Chebet-aTHLETICS

    2. Faith Kipyegon -Athletics

    3. Faith Cherotich-Athletics

    Sportsman of the Year

    1. Emmanuel Wanyonyi-Athletics

    2. Sebastien Sawe -Athletics

    3. Ryan Ogam-Football.

     

     

  • Mali withdraws recognition of so called “SADR”

    Mali withdraws recognition of so called “SADR”

    The Republic of Mali announced today that “after a thorough analysis of this important issue (the Sahara), which has an impact on subregional peace and security, the Republic of Mali has decided to withdraw its recognition of the ‘Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’.”

    This position was expressed in a statement by the Malian government delivered by Mr. Abdoulaye DIOP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, following his meeting with his Moroccan counterpart. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, is visiting Bamako on the Very High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him.

    In the same statement, Mali “supports the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the only serious and credible basis for resolving this dispute and considers that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most realistic solution.” Mali further expresses “its support for the efforts of the United Nations and the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, as well as for Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 2797 (2025), adopted on October 31, 2025,” the document continues.

    The Malian minister also stated that this decision will be shared with the regional and international organizations of which Mali is a member, as well as with the diplomatic corps accredited to Bamako.

  • Motsepe fails to deny AFCON 2025 final referee interference claims

    Motsepe fails to deny AFCON 2025 final referee interference claims

    Patrice Motsepe’s remarks at a press conference in Senegal in response to a question about possible interference by referees’ committee Chairman Olivier Safari, have raised questions.

    Rather than explicitly denying the allegations that instructions had been given to the referee (particularly regarding yellow cards), the CAF president chose to defer the response to his secretary general.

    The latter limited himself to noting that the Confederation of African Football was following an ongoing procedure, without confirming or denying the facts in question.

    Question: Some reports suggest that the head of the refereeing committee, Olivier Savary, said he prevented the referee from issuing yellow cards in the final. Will CAF take any action against Savary, such as suspending him or not?

    Answer: Motsepe: Mr. Secretary General, please answer this question… throw yourself into the fire. Did you hear the question?

    Secretary General: Yes. Your question concerns whether CAF will suspend or take any action against Olivier Savary. As the President mentioned regarding this situation, CAF is following the process until the decision is finalized. Then, CAF will ensure that all procedures have been properly followed to the end, and there is currently no decision related to the cases you referred to.

    The lack of a clear denial, combined with cautious communication focused on respecting disciplinary processes, thus fuels speculation about possible interference in the refereeing of the match.

  • Best sports personalities to be crowned tonight at the 22nd SOYA Gala

    Best sports personalities to be crowned tonight at the 22nd SOYA Gala

    The 22nd annual Sports Personalities of the Year Awards (SOYA) gala will be held at Uhuru Gardens on Friday night with outstanding sportsmen and women in 2025 being crowned in 16 different categories.

    World champions Beatrice Chebet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi are favourites to retain their overall Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards, which they bagged last year.

    The two athletes had an outstanding year in 2025, with Chebet bagging double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m while Wanyonyi also claimed gold in the 800m at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

    Chebet is competing for the top honours alongside world champions Faith Kipyegon, Faith Cherotich, Lillian Odira and German-born Kenyan pioneer fencer Alexandra Ndolo.

    Wanyonyi has been nominated for the men’s SOYA award together with Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam and golfer Njoroge Kibugu.

    Other nominees for the men’s gong are Nairobi City Thunder forward Albert Odero and Berlin Marathon champion Sabastian Sawe.

    Today’s gala will be graced by Ethiopian former marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie.

    The SOYA was founded by five-time world cross-country champion and retired NOC-K president Paul Tergat.

  • FIFA appoints 52 referees, 88 assistants and 30 VAR officials for World Cup

    FIFA appoints 52 referees, 88 assistants and 30 VAR officials for World Cup

    FIFA has appointed 52 referees, 88 assistants and 30 video match officials from across all six confederations and 50 member associations selected for the 23rd edition of the World Cup between June and July this year.

    The selection process was based on quality and consistency of performances at the highest level spanning over three years.

    Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, said, “The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments. In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed”

    “The selected officials have received, and will continue to receive, comprehensive support from our fitness coaches and medical staff, including physiotherapists and a mental specialist. Our goal is to ensure that they’re in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on 31 May.”

    This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be contested across three countries: the USA, Mexico and Canada.

    “It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success. The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing.” added Collina

    However, Kenyan referees conspicuously missed out on the list released on Thursday.

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held between June 11 and July 19.