Head Coach Julius Kirwa Bags Top Award After Guiding Kenya to 11 Medals in Tokyo

Team Kenya’s head coach at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Julius Kirwa, has been named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for September.

Julius Kirwa’s leadership proved instrumental as he guided Kenya to an impressive 11 medals, seven gold, two silver, and two bronze, during the nine-day global showpiece.

This was a step up from the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where Kenya won 10 medals, including three gold, three silver, and four bronze.

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Kenya’s medal campaign was ignited by Beatrice Chebet, who claimed the country’s first gold in the women’s 10,000m before returning to dominate the women’s 5000m, leading a Kenyan 1-2 finish with Faith Kipyegon taking silver.

Peres Jepchirchir then won gold in the women’s marathon, while Faith Kipyegon struck again with victory in the women’s 1500m. Faith Cherotich secured another gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase, as Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Lilian Odira stormed to victories in the men’s and women’s 800m races, respectively.

Meanwhile, Dorcus Ewoi earned silver in the 1500m after clocking a personal best of 3:54.92, while Reynold Cheruiyot and Edmund Serem picked up bronze medals in the men’s 1500m and 3000m steeplechase.

Speaking after receiving the accolade, Julius Kirwa praised the organisers for appreciating the role of coaches and commended the private sector for its contribution to sports.

“This is such a pleasant surprise and quite encouraging to realise that beyond the fans, there are also private sector players who are keen to see us shine,” Julius Kirwa said.

“Such recognition will go a long way in giving us the momentum we need. Ours is always to grow the winning mentality as we focus on the next opportunity to raise our flag high.”

Julius Kirwa’s recognition came against stiff competition from other leading coaches in Kenya. Nairobi City Thunder’s Bradley Ibs, who guided his team to the 2024–2025 KBF Premier League title, was a strong contender.

KCB rugby coach Andrew Amonde, who led his side to the 2025 National 7s Circuit title, was also among the nominees.

Kenya U-20 men’s volleyball coach Luke Makuto was also in the running, having steered his team to a bronze medal at the CAVB African Nations Championship after defeating Uganda 3-1 in the playoff.

SJAK President James Waindi lauded the growing competitiveness across different sports disciplines, noting that the country’s sporting future looks brighter than ever.

“We acknowledge the increased competitiveness across the sports disciplines, which is very promising as the future of sports in Kenya is very promising. Kirwa’s victory was earned against stiff competition from Nairobi City Thunder coach Bradley Ibs, KCB rugby coach Andrew Amonde and Kenya Under-20 Men’s volleyball coach Luke Makuto,” James Waindi said.

Meanwhile, Betika Marketing Executive Marya Wachira noted that such improvement highlighted the importance of recognising leadership in sports.

She explained that the monthly award was designed to close the gap in acknowledging outstanding coaches whose impact extends far beyond the pitch.