Emily Ayoti Kubasu Sakaja

Emily Ayoti Kubasu Sakaja was a trailblazing Kenyan athlete and public servant whose legacy continues to inspire generations. She served her country as a prison warden at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, demonstrating her dedication to public service. But it was on the athletics track that Emily truly made history. During the 1960s and 1970s, she emerged as one of Kenya’s most formidable sprinters, competing at a time when female athletes received little recognition or support.

Emily became Kenya’s fastest woman in 1971 and dominated the regional athletics scene. That same year, she was crowned East Africa champion in the 200-meter sprint, a remarkable achievement in an era of limited opportunities for women in sports. Her crowning moment came at the East and Central African Championships in 1971, where she clinched gold in the 100-meter race. This victory remains one of the most memorable highlights of her athletic career and cemented her status as a sprinting legend.

Despite her passing in 1994, Emily Kubasu’s legacy lives on. She not only broke records on the track but also broke barriers for women in athletics and public service. Her life story remains a powerful reminder of resilience, discipline, and the enduring power of pioneering women in Kenya’s history.