Athletics Kenya Youth Development chairman Barnaba Korir has confirmed that Nyayo National Stadium will receive a brand-new tartan track before the eagerly awaited Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold scheduled for May 31.
Korir, who also doubles up as the event’s meet director,
revealed that the government has already approved finances for the installation
of the new surface ahead of the prestigious
World Athletics Gold-level meet just over a month away.
"The government has confirmed and paid for the installation of a new tartan, which is exciting news for all of us. Good things are coming as we gear up for this year’s Kip Keino Classic,” said Korir.
Initially, the track replacement was set to begin tomorrow (Friday), but plans have been rescheduled to Monday due to the national World Athletics Relays trials set for Saturday.
"The removal of the old tartan should have been done tomorrow (Friday), but because of the World Relay Trials, it has been put on hold and it will be conducted on Monday," Korir added.
Korir noted that Athletics Kenya has been actively lobbying for the upgrade to ensure the country retains its ability to host world-class competitions.
"As a federation, we have been keen on pressuring the government to get the new tartan and we are happy with their response," he noted.
The Kip Keino Classic has in recent years grappled with hosting venues, a concern that nearly jeopardised last year’s edition.
"For the past three years, it has been a real nightmare to figure out which stadium to use for the Kip Keino Classic."
"The certification for Nyayo already expired during last year's meeting, but we had to talk to World Athletics to host the event one last time in the stadium," he noted.
The stadium management board has already contracted a track expert from Mondo to oversee the new installation and certification process.
Mondo is a company that designs and manufactures athletic tracks and equipment, known for its high-quality surfaces and its partnership with World Athletics to promote the growth of athletics.
"The Stadium Management Board has already engaged someone who is going to certify the new tartan at Nyayo. A professional from Mondo who was in Mozambique will supposedly bypass here before going to Egypt," he noted.
Korir stressed the strategic importance of the Kip Keino Classic in Kenya’s broader ambition to host Diamond League events and eventually, the World Athletics Championships. "Kip Keino classic is an international event that has benefited our athletes."
"If we don't prioritise the Kip Keino Classic, it will affect us as a nation. We will lose it, and the dream of having a Diamond League and hosting the World Championships will fade away," he highlighted.
This year’s edition has already attracted a star-studded cast. Among those confirmed are Grenada’s Olympic javelin bronze medallist Anderson Peters and Canadian Olympic hammer throw champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg.
Flying the Kenyan flag will be Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, who is expected to headline the sprint events in front of a packed home crowd.
