The Athletics Kenya trials for the Tokyo Olympics kicks off on Thursday at the Kasarani Stadium with heavy competition expected for the ticket to the Summer Games.
Athletics Kenya (AK) has already confirmed athletes from neighbouring countries; Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan will grace the three-day event.
Unlike the past, gold medalists from the Rio games will have to compete for a place in the final squad to be named on Saturday June 19.
Faith Kipyegon(1500m women), Conseslus Kipruto (3000m steeplechase) are among those that will grace the trials for a place in Team Kenya.
The most notable absentee in the trials is World 800m record holder David Rudisha who has not raced since 2017.
Athletics Kenya says that top two finishers of the final of each event will earn an automatic place in Team Kenya provided they are within the standard qualification time.
With the qualification window set to close in a fortnight, Kirwa is hopeful more sprinters can also secure qualification at the trials.
“We are very happy to have foreign athletes in our trials. This will go a long way in assisting our athletes, especially the sprinters to try and qualify for the Olympics. I want to urge our athletes to use this opportunity because we are now a few weeks before the window closes on June 29,” Kirwa said.
The 4x400m men and women and the mixed 4x400m who missed qualification during the World Relays Championships in Silesia, Poland have been handed a lifeline at Kasarani.