President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan athletes Enoch Tuitoek and Abigael Kosgei after they secured gold medals in their respective races at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
In a message shared on his official X account, the President praised the two young athletes for their outstanding performances, saying their victories had added two more gold medals to Kenya’s medal tally and strengthened the country's position in the competition.
Tuitoek clinched gold in the men's 3,000m steeplechase, while Kosgei emerged victorious in the women's 2,000m steeplechase, delivering another proud moment for Kenya's athletics team on the international stage.
"Well done Enoch Tuitoek and Abigael Kosgei for winning the 3,000m and 2,000m steeplechase, respectively, at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games," Ruto stated.
The Head of State also thanked the athletes for representing the country and contributing to Kenya's growing medal collection at the global sporting event.
He noted that their achievements had helped strengthen Team Kenya's ranking at the Games, urging the young competitors to maintain their winning momentum.
"Thank you for adding two gold medals to Kenya’s basket and strengthening our ranking at the Games. Keep shining Team Kenya!" the President added.
The victories further highlight Kenya's continued strength in middle-distance and long-distance running, disciplines in which the country has established itself as a formidable force in international athletics.
The steeplechase, which combines distance running with barriers and water jumps, demands a combination of speed, endurance, coordination and tactical awareness.
Winning at a major international competition at a young age is therefore a significant achievement for both athletes.
Tuitoek and Kosgei's performances also offer encouragement for Kenya's investment in nurturing young sporting talent and preparing the next generation of athletes to compete at the highest level.
The Youth Olympic Games bring together talented young athletes from different countries, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, gain international experience and compete against some of the best emerging talents in their respective disciplines.
For Kenya, the two gold medals represent an important contribution to the country's campaign in Dakar and reinforce its reputation as a strong contender in athletics.
The President's congratulatory message has also placed the spotlight on the two young athletes, whose performances have brought national recognition and added to Kenya's sporting achievements.
As Team Kenya continues its campaign at the Games, the victories by Tuitoek and Kosgei will serve as a boost to the country's athletes as they seek to secure more medals and fly the national flag high.
