From Barefoot Viral Moment to Brand Deal: Kenyan Athlete Mercy Chepngeno enters NIL agreement with Swiss Sportswear Brand On
Photo: Mercy Chepngeno Courtesy of On
Swiss performance brand On has signed 18-year-old Kenyan middle-distance and steeplechase athlete Mercy Chepngeno to a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement, marking a notable commercial milestone for one of East Africa's most promising junior prospects.
Chepngeno, a Form 3 student at Chagaik Secondary School in Kericho County, joins a global portfolio of student athletes supported by the brand — entering the formal international sponsorship ecosystem while still competing at school level.
From Viral Moment to Structured Investment
Chepngeno first drew widespread attention in 2024 when images of her racing barefoot at the KSSSA Regional Championships in Kapsabet circulated online, introducing her to international audiences beyond traditional athletics scouting channels. Her progression since has been consistent and performance-driven including winning Gold medals in the 3,000m steeplechase and 1,500m at the 2026 Track and Field Open in Thika and a silver medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2025 Africa Under-20 Championships in Nigeria.
Early-Stage Commercial Strategy
The NIL agreement provides equipment support and commercial backing while she balances elite athletic ambitions with academic commitments. For On, the investment reflects a deliberate strategy within the global distance running category - aligning with emerging Kenyan and African talents strengthens the brand's credibility in one of the sport's most competitive disciplines.
As brands intensify competition for next-generation athletes, agreements such as this illustrate how junior athletics is becoming more integrated into the global sponsorship economy.
If her development trajectory continues, this partnership may mark the beginning of a long-term commercial relationship built at the foundation of an elite career.
On continues to expand It’s Steeplechase portfolio and commercial growth across Africa. Chepngeno’s signing also aligns with On’s broader investment in the steeplechase category. Earlier this year, On signed Soufiane El Bakkali, the Moroccan Olympic and World Champion in the 3,000 metre steeplechase.
Source: On
