Beatrice Chepkoech, world record holder in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, will not race at the African Games ©Getty Images

Three of Kenya's biggest athletics stars have opted not to compete at the African Games in Rabat.

Beatrice Chepkoech, world record holder in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, and Hyvin Kiyeng, former world champion in the same event, have withdrawn from the athletics events, due to start in Morocco's capital on Monday (August 26).

Emmanuel Korir, who was due to race in the men's 400m, has also chosen not to participate.

Chepkoech claimed she wanted to focus on the International Association of Athletics Federations Diamond League in Zurich next Thursday (August 29) and preparing for the World Championships in Doha next month. 

Former world 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng is one of three Kenyans to withdraw from Rabat 2019 to focus on the IAAF Diamond League event next week in Zurich ©Getty Images
Former world 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng is one of three Kenyans to withdraw from Rabat 2019 to focus on the IAAF Diamond League event next week in Zurich ©Getty Images

"Kenya has enough talent, young energetic athletes bubbling with confidence, eager to showcase their talent," Chepkoech said. 

"Let them carry the flag in Morocco."

Kenya's athletics coach Julius Kirwa revealed he will call up two alternatives to join Mercy Wanjiku in their women's steeplechase squad, while former national 400m champion Alphas Kishoyian has replaced Korir.