The World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is among the international guests who have arrived at the funeral of the World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
The funeral service is being held at Chepkorio grounds in Elgeiyo Marakwet.
Coe arrived in the country on Thursday evening.
As the head of the world athletics governing body, he ratified Kiptum’s Chicago world marathon record of 2:00:35 a few days before he met his death in a road accident.
Following the death, Coe expressed his sympathies to the family and the nation at large.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devasting loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizamana’’ he said.
“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time."
He described Kiptum as an incredible athlete and “we will miss him dearly.”
President William Ruto alongside other leaders have also arrived at the event.
Kiptum was expected to participate in the 2024 Paris Marathon alongside Eliud Kipchoge.
Kiptum is remembered by those who loved him as a joker - as well as a young man with incredible drive.
The 24-year-old's death in a road accident nearly two weeks ago on his way home has devastated the farming community in Chepsamo village.
"He was always joking - we spoke on the night of his death and he was joking about the Africa Cup of Nations final," his mother Mary Kangongo told the BBC.
His widow Asenath Rotich agrees with her mother-in-law: "I remember him most for his jokes… he was loving and caring, a man who liked to tell jokes."
"He'd arrive home on the weekend, and they'd spend the whole time together until he returned to camp," Ms Rotich told the BBC.
Kiptum was inspired to become an athlete by a cousin who was a pacemaker - this area in Kenya's Rift Valley region is famous for producing some of the world's greatest long-distance runners.
Kiptum's mother has accepted that she must now "live for my grandchildren".
His widow is thankful for the government's support but says nothing will make up for her husband's love and support.