He went unbeaten over the distance at the 2002 African Championships in Athletics the following month, beating John Cheruiyot Korir to the continental title. As African champion, he was selected to represent the continental at the 2002 IAAF World Cup. He took the 5000 metres silver medal behind the reigning European champion Alberto García (who was banned in 2003 for taking EPO). Among Kosgei's other honours that year was a silver medal from the World Military Track and Field Championships.