If Kenya was the no. 1 distance running nation prior to 1980 is only for a small part a matter of opinion.
We have objective measures to decide such questions: success at the big championships, world records, continental records, placings in all-time lists and so on.
- most medals at the Olympics (despite the 76 boycott)
- by far most successful nation at the Commonwealth Games (the Commonwealth includes: Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania, England, Ireland...)
- 10 world records (no other nation has more than 6)
- only country who has had a runner in the top 10 all-time in any event (800m, 1000m, 1500m, 1 Mile, 3000m, 2 Miles, 5000m, 100000m, steeple).
In depth, Great Britain and the USA still were ahead of Kenya, in numbers of Olympic Gold medals it was Finland - but looking at all the events, and all the stats, Kenya was the most successful running nation in the period 1964 - 1979. To just state "no they weren't" is not to beat in his pure ridiculousness.
Other African countries!! Mali? Upper Volta? Swaziland? Between 1964 and 1979,Kenyans have set 54 African records (800m up to 10000m including steeple). The 50+ other countries combined have set 19 African records.
I know you will not give a serious replay, because you are an extremely dishonest person. But it will not change the facts.