It is all systems go for the fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour Gold with several foreign athletes expected to grace the one-day competition at Nyayo National Stadium on April 20.
Speaking during the media launch of the event, race director Barnaba Korir said several foreign competitors are expected to spice up the races and field events, including Olympics 200m silver medalist Kenneth Bednarek, the 2016 Olympics javelin champion Thomas Rohler, Olympics hammer throw champion Wojciech Nowicki and the 2022 world hammer throw champion Pavel Fajdeck.
Complementing this foreign legion are homegrown heroes including Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, world 800m champion Mary Moraa and world 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, among others.
"Those are the athletes who will be competing and we ask all Kenyans to come and fill the stadium so that we can have a memorable event even as we think of how to host bigger events in the future," Korir said.
As has been the norm, this year’s World Continental Tour event will comprise three categories of competition including core, discretionary and national.
It is the first time since 2020 that the competition will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium, with the previous three editions held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
Korir revealed that the tartan track at Nyayo will be in tip-top condition in time for April 20, adding that they are undertaking minor repairs on it. “We have talked to World Athletics and they have said the track meets the international standards and only needs minor repairs. That is what we are undertaking and then we will be good to go," Korir added.
Absa Bank Kenya will once again be the main title sponsor of the Kip Keino Classic, pumping Sh40 million towards the organisation and staging of the event.
The bank's Consumer Banking director Moses Muthui said Absa's sponsorship of the event is in line with its longstanding passion for sports.
"Absa believes in supporting Kenyan sports. Over the past 10 years, we have invested over Sh1.2 billion in sports including golf, athletics and football, among others. We remain committed to this endeavour because we believe your story matters," Muthui said.
On his part, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei said athletics fans should expect fireworks on that material day as athletes fight for top honours in their respective categories.
"We are calling on everyone to come and watch the Kip Keino Classic. This is the only race of its kind in Africa. There will be fireworks in this place (Nyayo) on that Saturday as athletes compete," Lt. Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
Also present at Thursday's event were Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei.
Eng. Tum said the Kip Keino Classic is pivotal to the government's agenda for the sports industry in Kenya and assured of their support for years to come.
"This event is important to the Ministry of Sports. From where I sit, the future of Kenyan sports is bright and that's why we want to support events such as these. We will continue to support the Kip Keino Classic in a big way," the PS said.
On her part, Hon Shollei expressed her admiration for Kenyan athletes and acknowledged their crucial role in bringing honour to the country.
"I admire Kenyan sportsmen and women for the hard work they put in to get to the level that they are. Whenever I am abroad, I am always proud to say I come from Kenya...the home of champions. It is an honour," she said.
