Team Kenya has wrapped up its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with a 12-medal haul that has earned praise from the country’s top leadership.
President William Ruto took to his official X account to celebrate the team, saying Kenya delivered “an outstanding performance on the international stage” and adding that the country had, “once again,” demonstrated its “excellence on the global stage.”
Kenya’s medal tally comprised three gold, four silver and five bronze medals. The gold medals came courtesy of Edmund Serem and Faith Cherotich, who both triumphed in the 3,000m steeplechase, and Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang, who claimed victory in the 5,000m.
Silver medals were secured by Stephen Ndangiri Kihu (10,000m walk), Simon Kiprop Koech (3,000m steeplechase), Diana Wanza (10,000m) and Lilian Odira (800m). Rounding out the tally, bronze medals went to Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (3,000m steeplechase), Wyclife Kinyamal (800m), Timothy Cheruiyot (One Mile), Irene Jepkemboi (javelin) and Joshua Amunga Mboya (60kg weightlifting).
Ruto thanked each medallist by name in his statement, before closing with a warm message to the wider team: “We celebrate your outstanding achievements and thank you for flying the Kenyan flag high.” He signed off with a simple “Asanteni sana” to the entire contingent.
Kenya’s campaign, while strong, came against a backdrop of even bigger performances elsewhere on the continent. Nigeria emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked nation, finishing seventh overall with 24 medals, 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, highlighted by history-making wins from sprinter Samuel Ogazi and hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel.
South Africa was the continent’s second-best performer, placing 11th with seven gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals, with veteran swimmer Chad Le Clos becoming the most decorated athlete in Games history.
Kenya placed 13th overall, while other African nations on the medal table included Cameroon, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Lesotho, Zambia, Gabon, Rwanda and The Gambia.
In total, 13 African nations won at least one medal at the Games, underlining the continent’s growing depth across athletics, weightlifting, judo and other disciplines.
For Kenya, the steeplechase and middle-distance dominance once again proved the backbone of its campaign.
President’s message was quick to celebrate the team as they return home to a hero’s welcome.
