NAIROBI, Kenya, April 4- Caroline Nyakana clinched the distance double at the close of the Kenya Technical Training Institutions Sports Organisation (Ketiso) national championships by adding the women 5000m title to her 10000m crown on Wednesday.
Nyakana motored through the Nyayo National Stadium tartan in 16:23.7 to edge out fellow Keroka Technical Training Institute student and 3000m steeplechase winner Everlyn Kwamboka who clocked 16:54.03 to lead the challengers’ home for silver.
Machakos Institute athlete Dorcas Nzembi, who won the 3000m steeplechase silver on Tuesday, arrived at the line in 17:00.0 for the third medal in the longer race.
“Kwamboka was my biggest rival through out the race but I managed to beat her because of my stronger finishing kick in the last lap,” the double winner said.
Nyakana who gets her inspiration from World Indoor 3000m titleholder, Helen Obiri aims to emulate her idol by making it to the global stage besides popularising her hometown Kisii region as an athletic hub.
Rodgers Gesabwa who emerged top in the 10000m event on Tuesday failed to repeat the same feat in the 5000m when he lost to his Keroka colleague Moses Nkiywa who clocked 14:13.05 for gold.
Gesabwa trailed the victor in 14:15.08 ahead of third placed Thomson Chelanga (14:18.02) of Mawengo Institute.
The annual event that involves training institutes under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and attracted 36 institutions.
Top performers in the three day meet will contest at the East Africa Triangular Championships.
