Why Kenyan men are shining in the 2025 World Athletics Rising Star Awards

When we talk about Kenya’s sporting future, there are names now making global authorities take notice. For the World Athletics Men’s Rising Star Award 2025, two Kenyan athletes have been shortlisted, signalling more than individual talent: it’s a spotlight on Kenya’s next elite generation.

Who they are and where they come from

Phanuel Koech

Koech broke the world U20 1500 m record and won the London Diamond League this year. His rise from local Kenyan competitions into world-class 1500 m territory shows focus, resilience and raw speed.

Edmund Serem

Serem claimed bronze in the world U20 3000 m steeplechase and was runner-up in the Diamond League final. He hails from Kenya’s Rift Valley, where steeple and distance runners have long been nurtured.

Their stories mirror Kenya’s deep running culture: high-altitude training, strong communities and an ingrained belief that the next generation can build on the legacy of champions before them.

How this benefits Kenya, the region and Africa

National pride and inspiration: Their nominations give Kenya another reason to celebrate. Young athletes across the country see that they, too, can step onto a global stage.

Economic and social dividend: When Kenyan runners succeed, the ripple effect hits classrooms, training camps, tourism in towns like Iten and infrastructure investment. Being shortlisted for the World Athletics Rising Star will definitely bring international currency to Kenya if the opportunity is seized right.

Continental uplift: Africa thrives when its athletes shine. These Kenyan names don’t just elevate Kenya and raise the entire continent’s profile in global athletics.

They’re good, but can they win the World Athletics Rising Star award?

Given their performance metrics:

• Phanuel Koech’s record-breaking run in the U20 1500 m puts him in strong contention, if the award values breakthrough plus global relevance, he leads.
• Edmund Serem’s steeple success is impressive but faces tougher global competition in the category.

In this writer’s opinion, Kenya has just about a 60 % chance of taking home the Men’s Rising Star through Koech, given his standout results this season. Serem is a strong contender and a win for him would reflect perfectly Kenya’s depth.