Conseslus Kipruto set to anchor Kenya in African Games

Olympic and world steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has been named in a strong Kenya team for the African Games set for August 19-31 in Rabat, Morocco.

In May, Kipruto's agent Michel Boeting warned that Kipruto had been advised by the doctors to rest and avoid exerting pressure on his foot. The 24-year-old had suffered a foot fracture and was due to stay out of competition until September.

But his inclusion in Kenya team and participation at the Africa Games will be a boost for the country, which has struggled to fend off rivals in the water and hurdle race.

Kenya head coach Julius Kirwa believes the team will improve on their five gold medal haul in Brazzaville, Congo back in 2015.

"Nobody really can question the talent in Olympic and world champ Conseslus Kipruto. At 24-year-old he remains top of his game and hopeful he will make the team to World Championships. But with injuries, you can never be certain, so we need to plan," Kirwa said.

With lack of financial incentives in the Africa Games, Athletics Kenya senior vice president Paul Mutwii disclosed that they have gone out of the way to lure elite runners, which include world 1,500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot so as to have Kenya team bolstered and use the race as a test run ahead of the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in October.

"We need our best talent. Some have opted not to go to Morocco for the games, but we have to support the team we have now. Kenya need to restore its dominance in the games because it will be a pointer of the performance to expect at the World Championships," said Mutwii on Wednesday in Nairobi.

Also making the Kenya team is Hyvin Kiyeng, the Beijing 2015 world champion in steeplechase. In men's steeple team also Benjamin Kigen and Joash Kiplimo will team up with Kipruto while Kiyeng will be joined by world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and Mercy Wanjiru.

"I have to be focused because I have yet to win a major title. The Africa Games will give me the platform, but it is the World Championship gold that I sincerely yearn to hold," said Chepkoech.

The men's team has in half marathon Panuel Mkungo, Titus Ekuru and Morris Munene while Caroline Jebet Korir, Hellen Jepkurgat and Grace Kimanzi make the women's team.

Nelly Jepkosgei, the Rabat and Laussane legs of the Diamond League winner, has been included in women's 800m team that has Eglay Nalianya and Naomi Korir.

Jepkosgei has a row of allegiance brewing up as she is ranked as Bahraini by the world athletics governing body IAAF. Africa silver medalists in 800m Emmanuel Korir is in the 400m team as he eyes speed improvement in Rabat.

Kenya won six gold in Brazzaville in 2015 with five coming from track and field. Volleyball gave in the other medal. The country will face strong challenges from South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, host Morocco, Ethiopia and Algeria.