The 2026 edition of the Kip Keino Classic will be held in the evening at Nyayo National Stadium, marking a shift that organizers hope will draw larger crowds and a wider global audience. The race, set for April 24, will run from late afternoon into the night.
Behind the move is renewed financial backing from Absa Bank Kenya, which has committed 35 million shillings to this year’s event. It is part of a broader pledge of 60 million shillings towards Kenya’s athletics calendar in 2026.
For Absa, now in its sixth year as title sponsor, the investment reflects a longer view of sport as both a cultural and economic force. Over that period, the bank says it has spent close to 200 million shillings on the event alone.
“We see sport as a powerful platform to support talent and grow the ecosystem around it,” said Mwihaki Wachira, the bank’s marketing and corporate affairs director. “Through these partnerships, we are helping to position Kenya as a global sporting destination.”
The Kip Keino Classic is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, placing Nairobi on a circuit that attracts elite competitors from around the world. This year’s line-up is expected to include some of the sport’s most recognisable names, among them Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, as well as Olympic and world champions across track and field disciplines.
Organisers say the decision to hold the event under floodlights is both practical and symbolic. Evening conditions can favour faster times, while also making it easier for spectators to attend after work.
Barnabas Korir, the meet director at Athletics Kenya, said preparations were well underway. He added that this year’s programme would also include an under-20 category, giving younger athletes a chance on a global stage.
“We are all set,” he said. “This will be a historic first under the floodlights, and we expect strong turnout both in the stadium and from audiences watching around the world.”
In a move aimed at boosting local support, entry to the event will be free. Organisers say this is intended to encourage more Kenyans to fill the stands and back homegrown talent.
There is also quiet optimism about performance. Officials point to the recently installed track at Nyayo Stadium, which meets international standards, as a factor that could produce fast races, particularly in the sprints.
Still, beyond the spectacle, the event underscores a broader ambition. Kenya, long known for its distance runners, is seeking to strengthen its place across all disciplines while building its reputation as a host of global competitions.
About the Author
