Meagan Irungu overcame a troubled swim to produce a blistering bike leg and claim the Africa Triathlon Development Cup women’s title in Kilifi on Sunday, extending Kenya’s dominance on home soil.
The 21-year-old timed 1:13:22 to beat Algeria’s Saleha Nerddjes, who finished second in 1:19:13, while Namibia’s Jana Mutschler completed the podium in 1:20:07.
Irungu admitted she didn’t expect to win after struggling in the opening discipline but recovered brilliantly on the bike to reel in the leaders.
“The race was okay, but the swim was tough. I didn’t expect to emerge top,” said Irungu.
The victory further strengthens Irungu’s impressive record in Kilifi, where she has now won three major races.
She previously won the Africa Triathlon Development Regional Cup in 1:12:16 last year and added the Africa Triathlon Duathlon Cup, where she clocked 1:13:56 in October last year.
Her latest triumph also builds on a strong 2025 season, when she finished
second in the Under-23 category in 2:38:46 at the Africa Triathlon Championships in Nelson Mandela Bay
Kenya Triathlon president Jocelyn Leah Nyambura hailed Irungu’s performance and the growing number of athletes taking part in the sport despite the country’s limited facilities.
“The competition was good. Kenya has gotten a model that shows growth in the country. Given that we don’t have those facilities, it shows we have the potential to flourish. The turnout was good, and we are also developing the young players,” said Nyambura.
The Kilifi event attracted about 50 athletes from across Africa, giving emerging competitors valuable exposure against athletes from different countries on Kenyan soil.
In the men’s race, Tunisia’s Hamdi Mohammed Aziz claimed gold in 59:14, narrowly beating Mauritius’ Lentente Laurent, who clocked 59:30. Togo’s Adjavon was third in 59:42, while Kenya’s Mohamed Abdulaziz finished seventh
Hamdi credited favourable weather and thorough preparation for his victory. “It was good weather for a competition. I come from a different zone, so I prepared efficiently for my race. I was prepared to come and win this race,” said Hamdi.
Meanwhile, Kenyan triathlete Josette Kiarie marked her return to competition with a 1:28:53 finish at the FISU World University Championships in Nyon, Switzerland.
The race was Kiarie’s first triathlon of the season after a two-month injury lay-off and followed a demanding period that included her final-year medical examinations and a historic track-cycling appearance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Kiarie produced a strong swim and bike leg before facing a difficult run in the heat. Coach Camila Lydia said the race formed part of Kiarie’s recovery and taper programme, making the performance encouraging as she rebuilds her season.
“She gave it her all and left nothing on the track,” said Lydia.
Kiarie was also pleased with her return, particularly her swim, after her Commonwealth Games experience. The FISU outing gave her a competitive platform to regain momentum following rehabilitation and resume her triathlon programme.
