The government has announced a Sh300 million sponsorship package for the highly anticipated Absa Kip Keino Classic, set to take place on May 31 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Speaking during the official launch of the sixth edition of the World Athletics Continental Tour event on Tuesday, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed that all necessary upgrades to the Ulinzi Sports Complex—including compliance with World Athletics standards—will be finalized by Saturday.
“The event was moved from Nyayo National Stadium to allow for the installation of a new tartan track,” Mvurya explained. “Nyayo is currently designated as a construction site and is not available for use. Ulinzi meets the standards required for an international athletics event.”
Previously, Nyayo Stadium hosted the first and fifth editions of the Kip Keino Classic, while Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, served as the venue for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 competitions.
“Our athletes are a source of national pride, and the government is committed to providing them with the best possible environment to train, compete, and achieve their potential,” Mvurya said. “We ask for patience as we work to upgrade our sporting infrastructure.”
The launch event also saw the attendance of Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim, Absa’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira, Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei, Kip Keino Classic Tour Director Barnaba Korir, and Ulinzi Sports Complex Director Colonel James Masai.
Wachira revealed that Absa has committed Sh60 million to support the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships, the Kip Keino Classic, and Athletics Kenya’s youth and development programmes.
To manage attendance at the 10,000-capacity venue, tickets will be sold at Sh200 for regular seats and Sh2,000 for VIP access.
Sports CS Salim Mvurya.
Star athletes confirmed for the meet include Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji, the two-time world indoor 60m champion, and Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man.
Also joining the line-up are USA’s Elijah Hall, a 2022 World 4x100m silver medallist with a personal best of 9.90 seconds, and Australia’s Kennedy Luchembe, the World Indoor 60m silver medallist, who has clocked 10.00 seconds.