Kenya bagged a total of 15 medals; four gold, seven silver and four bronze.
Kenya’s gold medalists were George Manangoi (1, 500m), Caren Chebet (2, 000m), Jackline Wambui (800m) and Leonard Bett (2, 000m steeplechase).
The silver medalists were Edward Zakayo (3000M) Cleophas Kandie Meyan (2000M Steeplechase) Moitalel Mpoke (400m hurdles), Mary Moraa (400 M), Lydia Jeruto (800 M), Emmaculate Chepkirui (3, 000 M), Mercy Chepkurui (2000 Me Steeplechase).
Japhet Toroitich (800 M), Stanley Mburu Waithaka (3, 000 M), Dominic Ndigiti (10,000 Metres Race Walk) and Edina Jebitok (1500 Metres) cliched bronze medals.
South Africa won the overall title with five gold, three silver and three bronze medals followed in second place by China with five gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
Cuba came third with five gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
The absence of the US and Britain from the event appeared to have worked in favour of South Africa which won most sprints which are historically dominated by the two countries.
Kenya’s quartet of Mary Moraa, David Sanayek, Kelvin Sawe and Gloria Mulei finished a disappointing fourth in the mixed relay which was won by Brazil with Jamaica finishing second and South Africa third.
In boys 2000m boys’ steeplechase, Leonard Bett and Cleophas Meyan continued Kenya's dominance in the race winning gold and silver respectively.
Bett led Kenya to a 1-2 finish in a thrilling final in the race clocking 5:32.52 with Meyan clinching silver in a personal best time of 5:33:07.
Ethiopia's Alemu Diriba won bronze after finishing in 5:42.10.
The CEO of the Local Organising Committee Mwangi Muthee termed the event as a success.
“It was not easy but we are happy it has ended successfully. We have left a legacy.”
Muthee said Kenya is ready and can host bigger events including the World Athletics Championships.
“Bring it on. We can successfully host it,” he said.
A total of 131 countries participated in the five day event which recorded the highest turn out in a youth and junior championship.
-The Star|ANGWENYI GICHANA