Barnaba Korir Explains Why 2026 Kip Keino Classic Will Be Held Under Floodlights

Barnaba Korir, meet director of the Kip Keino Classic, has explained the key reasons behind the decision to stage this year’s edition as a night event.

The 2026 meet is scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm EAT at Nyayo National Stadium, marking the first time the competition will be held under floodlights.

Barnaba Korir expressed confidence that the new evening format will run smoothly and meet the expectations of all stakeholders involved.

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Barnaba Korir explained that the decision to stage the Kip Keino Classic in the evening was influenced by international athletics scheduling trends, noting that many major global competitions are typically held later in the day.

He said the Friday evening timing was also chosen to improve broadcast quality and increase audience engagement, as it allows more viewers to follow the event after working hours compared to daytime scheduling.

Korir further added that the organisers are planning to incorporate entertainment elements into the meet, with details of participating performers set to be announced later.

“You are aware that in most of the events, especially the Diamond Leagues, the continental tours, it’s always done in the evening,” Barnaba Korir told the media on Thursday.

“We are doing it on a Friday evening because it is always much better, especially when it comes to the TV production and also viewership from the public, instead of during the day when people will be working.

“Beyond that, we are also going to have big entertainment, and we shall announce the people who will be part of the event. It’s going to be good, and we ask Kenyans to be part of this event.”

Barnaba Korir stated that a team comprising experts from Europe, alongside representatives linked to World Athletics and other certifying bodies, had been involved in assessing the readiness of the stadium.

He noted that some of the same officials had previously visited during last year’s Kip Keino Classic when the event was staged at Ulinzi Stadium.

Barnaba Korir explained that the previous edition could not be hosted at Nyayo National Stadium due to certain challenges, but efforts have since been made to address those issues ahead of this year’s competition.

Korir added that the installation of a new tartan track last year was part of the broader upgrades, with additional work focused on ensuring full certification in line with international standards.

He further said that professional surveyors had been engaged to carry out detailed measurements and inspections of the facility to confirm compliance with World Athletics requirements before the event is staged.

“We have a team that came from Europe, linked to World Athletics and other companies that are involved in certifying the stadium. We also have a team that was here last year during the Kip Keino Classic at Ulinzi,” he added.

“It is very important to note that last year we had some issues and were not able to host the Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National Stadium. However, this year, we want to make sure that everything is done.

“We have a new tartan track that was installed last year, and also making sure that certification is done. We had to have surveyors come in to measure the stadium and check whether it meets all the World Athletics requirements.”

Barnaba Korir added that the women’s FIFA Series matches scheduled for April 11 to April 15, 2026, will not affect the preparations of the Kip Keino Classic.