Nairobi — More than 1,300 athletes and 700 officials from all the continent's 54 countries are expected in Nairobi for the 17th Senior Africa Athletics Championship which will be staged at Nyayo National Stadium from July 28 to August 1.

Kenya, as hosts, might be the only country to enter at least three athletes in each of the 56 events during the five-day championship.

Athletics Kenya secretary-general David Okeyo, who is also the event Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that Kenya has made a provisional entry of 168 athletes.

Nigeria, in a quest to strengthen their domination, approved a high entry of 154 while Benin, who will host the next round in 2012, have forwarded a list of 50. Sudan has 80 entries while Ethiopia are bringing in 86 athletes.

"These are just preliminary entry lists. These countries have to get their athletes to qualify for them to get the confirmation and I believe the numbers will not change," said Okeyo. "More countries are expected to bring in their names."

Top athletes, such as Kenya's Pamela Jelimo, Alfred Kirwa Yego, Janeth Jepkosgei, Ezekiel Kemboi, Vivian Cheruiyot and Linet Masai, have confirmed their participation in the event, which will also be used to honour the country's greatest athletes.