In 2009 he improved all his personal bests on the track: 7:34.29 minutes in the 3000 metres, achieved in September in Rieti; 13:02.40 minutes in the 5000 metres, achieved in July in Rome; and 27:15.44 minutes in the 10,000 metres, achieved in June in Utrecht. He made his debut at the World Cross Country Championships senior race and in the competition in Amman he finished sixth. He finished fourth in the 10,000 metres at the 2010 African Championships, but only set one personal best on the track that year; 12:57.83 in the 5000 metres at Bislett stadion in June.