Organisers have promised to roll out a world class show at the 5th edition Kip Keino classic slated for April 20th at the Nyayo National stadium.
Speaking during the launch of the one-day international meet, race director Barnaba Korir expressed his excitement, revealing a golden line-up of athletes for the Continental Tour.
The championship will feature a diverse range of events from sprints, to hammer throws, promising to give Kenyans a first-hand thrilling experience of what happens on the global stage.
The global stars, according to Korir, underline the status of the event, a Continental Tour gold.
“This one-day international championship has attracted elite global athletes and World Champions, as well as Kenyan stars,” said Korir.
The 100m men will be a duel between Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and Bednarek Kenneth from USA.
The javelin men competition will see the return of Rohler Thomas from Germany against our very own Julius Yego, while the 800m will be a duel between the two world champions – Nakaayi Halima from Uganda and Kenyan Mary Moraa.
“Other elite global athletes will include Deadmon Bryce from USA, Ray Shannon from USA, Kaden Lilly from German, Reid Alana from Jamaica, Nowe Oratile from Botswana, Kandisounon Lena from France, Desta Netsanet from Ethiopia and Mboma Christine from Namibia,” revealed Korir.
On his part, Athletics Kenya President General Jackson Tuwei expressed his delight for the incredible partnership exhibited so far to make this year’s championship a success.
“We are thrilled and grateful to our partners and the government. Their support through the years has enabled us to host a world-class event that puts us at an admirable spot in the global arena, and with this, we are assured of capacity building that boosts our country’s development. I call on Kenyans to come out in large numbers at the Nyayo National Stadium to support our national stars,” said Tuwei.
Ministry of Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum graced the launch, and hailed the organisers for a job well done, while underlining government’s commitment to support the course.
“As a ministry, we will continue to give the required support and the government is investing substantially to ensure the success of our athletes. This will include supporting the adequate rewarding of our athletes to ensure that Kenya continues to demonstrate its prowess in sports.”
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Sholei who also graced the launch reminded the athletes the important role they play in placing Kenya at the world map,.
“I stand here as someone who admires and loves all our sportsmen. Their sheer determination and discipline has got us to the global arena. We’ll be there to cheer them during the championship,” Sholei noted.
Organisers received a significant boost after Absa Bank Kenya committed to a sponsorship of Sh. 40 million.
Of Absa’s commitment, Sh. 30 million will be utilised as title sponsors with the remaining Sh. 10 million being used to leverage amounts as well as supporting other events in the Kenya athletics calendar, including the under 20 youth trials engagement, national trials series events and Sirikwa Classic which happened in February 2024.
Speaking during the announcement of the sponsorship, Absa Bank Kenya Consumer Banking Director Moses Muthui reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to investing in sports, including athletics.
“We are very proud to be part of this journey of nurturing stars through the Kip Keino Classic. This championship event provides a great opportunity for Kenyans to not only watch foreign stars in Kenya but to also celebrate our very own home grown talents whose stories continue to inspire our commitment to this sport as we support and empower them in line with our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time. Their stories indeed matter,” said Muthui.
