Eliud Kipchoge Hails Nike Kenya Store Launch as Brand Opens First Outlet in East Africa

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has expressed his excitement following the opening of Nike’s first store in Kenya, the brand’s only outlet in East Africa.

Kipchoge, who has been associated with Nike for over two decades since 2003, the same year he announced himself on the global stage with 5000m gold at the World Championships in Paris, shared his joy during the official launch at Sarit Centre.

The milestone comes against the backdrop of his long-standing partnership with the brand, highlighted by the 2023 launch of the Kipchoge Collection, a signature range created in collaboration with the two-time Olympic champion to celebrate his career and guiding philosophy.

The performance-driven line blends cutting-edge innovation with personal storytelling rooted in his Kenyan upbringing, disciplined training approach, and the widely known “No Human Is Limited” message.

At its core are the Alphafly 3 and Vaporfly 4 “EK” racing shoes, built for elite performance and inspired by his record-breaking achievements on the world stage.

The five-time Berlin Marathon winner described the Nairobi opening as a significant moment, saying it represented not only recognition of his journey but also of the many Kenyan athletes who have proudly represented the brand over the years.

“I’ve been with Nike for the past 23 years, and this is a massive achievement for the citizens of this country. This is the first shop in East Africa, and it’s a huge milestone. I’m a really happy man because this is also the first shop in Kenya, and I believe I have left a legacy,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

“I’m also praying that we have a World Major Marathon in Africa (Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is currently a candidate race for the WMM), which will also be a legacy, and that’s what the sport is all about.”

The four-time London Marathon champion went ahead to point out that the arrival of Nike in Kenya symbolises progress and forward-thinking within the athletics space, adding that the brand has made athletes and customers feel recognised through its products.

He explained that the company has played a major role in shaping performance advancements, including super shoes, and noted that its early developments set the pace for what the rest of the industry has since followed.

Eliud Kipchoge also reflected on how groundbreaking experiments carried out years ago have now become widely accepted standards, crediting Nike for sparking a shift that continues to influence modern competition and inspire athletes around the world.

“Nike in Kenya represents innovation…all the customers feel seen in the shoes that we have. It represents a positive impact. The genesis of innovation, the genesis of the fastest shoes began with Nike. 13 years ago, we tested ourselves, and now, everyone has adopted that mechanism. Nike ignited that fire,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kieran Murphy, the Nike Kenya manager, explained that the company spent a considerable amount of time identifying a suitable location, noting that the process took about two years to secure a space that met their standards in terms of placement and scale.

Murphy expressed confidence in both the Kenyan and broader East African markets, describing them as promising environments for the brand’s expansion plans.

Murphy also indicated that this launch marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with plans already in place to establish additional outlets across Africa.

Furthermore, he highlighted that having a physical footprint in Kenya strengthens the company’s connection with local stakeholders, including sporting bodies, while also providing deeper insights into the market, enabling the brand to align its offerings more closely with what customers in the region are looking for.

“We are in a position to start learning about our products in Africa and how we can adapt our products to fit the market. We shall be opening more stores in Africa,” he said.

“We have people on the ground, and we understand the relationship that Nike has with the federation and vice versa. Now, we have more of a visual impact and understanding of what the Kenyan market requires.

"We expect to have opened three stores, and we have engaged with sporting associations, and we have community groups that will give us feedback. This is just the beginning of what we are planning to do in Kenya. We have a longterm plan."

Murphy added that the new presence on the continent would allow the company to better understand consumer needs and preferences, helping them tailor their products more effectively to local demand.

“It’s expensive for a certain level of income, but we are very conscious of the prices here in Kenya. Some products will be more expensive, and then we shall have others that will be affordable,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Nike store in Kenya has an extensive inventory that includes the Jordan collection alongside high-performance gear for football, training, and running, catering to both professional athletes and lifestyle enthusiasts.