Their effort not only earned them a spot among the top contenders in the competition but also marked a significant milestone for Kenyan athletics in the mixed relay category.
Mutinda set the tone with a solid opening leg, positioning the team well against a competitive field.
Oketch followed with a composed run that kept Kenya within striking distance, before Tonui delivered a strong third leg to maintain momentum.
Chebet anchored the team with determination, pushing through the final stretch to secure second place and seal the record-breaking finish.
The time of 3:09.87 shaved valuable seconds off the previous African record, underlining the team’s growing strength and cohesion in the discipline.
The performance reflects the progress Kenya has made in relay events, an area traditionally dominated by sprint powerhouses from other regions.
Qualification for the final places the team in contention for a podium finish, with expectations now rising ahead of the decisive race.
Their result also guarantees Kenya a place at the 2027 World Championships, providing a valuable opportunity to compete on an even bigger stage.
The achievement is expected to boost confidence within the national athletics camp, particularly as the country continues to diversify its strengths beyond middle- and long-distance events.
Mixed relay races, which require both male and female athletes to compete as a team, have become increasingly competitive on the global stage, making Kenya’s breakthrough even more significant.