Nairobi — For some time, Kenya seemed to have lost the plot in staging Africa's premier track and field competition.

Many wondered if bidding for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships had been a major gaffe.

There was no equipment or infrastructure to accommodate more than 1,500 athletes and officials.

Security for the visitors was in doubt, the venue, Nyayo National Stadium, was in decay and the government was slow in sanctioning the event.

But in less than eight months, with only Sh400 million spent, the Local Organising Committee have staged one of the most successful Africa championships in the event's 31-year history.

Fans have filled every seat in the 30,000-seater stadium, and medals have been plenty. This has given Kenyans another opportunity to unite and forget their many differences.

This sends a clear message: Kenya, is back on its feet and can stage any other events of a high calibre in the future.

For now, it is up to Athletics Kenya to put in use the new equipment to train new talent so as to widen the country's medal haul at the Olympics and World Championship beyond the middle and long distances.