Kip Keino Classic Gets KSh 35 Million Boost from Absa Bank as 2026 Edition Goes Under Floodlights

Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its title sponsorship for the Absa Kip Keino Classic Tour with a KSh 35 million investment ahead of the 2026 edition, scheduled for Friday, April 24, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

This latest commitment further cements Absa’s role as a key partner in Kenya’s athletics landscape, ensuring the continued growth and global appeal of one of Africa’s premier track and field events.

For the first time in the championship’s history, the 2026 edition will be staged under floodlights, running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The shift to an evening schedule is expected to create a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere for fans while offering athletes a world-class competition environment comparable to global elite meets.

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As part of its broader commitment to athletics in 2026, Absa has committed Ksh 60 million to support the national athletics calendar.

This includes the KSh 35 million investment in the Kip Keino Classic, with KSh 27 million allocated to rights fees, while the remaining funds will support event execution, fan engagement, stakeholder experiences, and media amplification.

The 2026 sponsorship marks Absa’s sixth year as title partner, bringing its total investment in the event to KSh 196 million. This sustained backing has helped elevate Kenya’s profile as both a global athletics powerhouse and a sports tourism destination.

The World Athletics Continental Gold Tour event will once again attract top-tier local and international athletes competing for prize money and valuable world ranking points.

Fans can expect a thrilling showcase featuring some of the world’s fastest sprinters, elite field athletes, and rising stars, reinforcing the event’s growing global significance.

Among the athletes expected to compete are Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic champion Thomas Röhler, former world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, and American Olympic star Dalilah Muhammad.

Former world javelin champion Julius Yego, Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg, world and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi have also confirmed their participation.

Speaking on Absa’s continued investment in sports, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira reaffirmed the bank’s long-term vision.

“At Absa, our purpose is to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time, and we see sport as a powerful platform to do that by supporting talent and strengthening the ecosystems around it. Through long-term partnerships, we are contributing to the growth of athletics in Kenya, while helping to position the country as a global sporting and tourism destination.

“Over the past decade, we have invested close to KES 2 billion in Kenya’s sports ecosystem, and we are proud to continue that journey with the Kip Keino Classic, working alongside the government and Athletics Kenya to deliver another world-class event.”

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya Meet Director Barnabas Korir expressed confidence that the new format will attract large crowds both locally and globally.

“We are all set for this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic Tour event which will for the first time be under the flood lights commencing with a curtain raising national event at 1.40pm on 24th April 2026 at Nyayo Stadium and conclude with the 100m men’s race followed by the closing ceremony from 8pm,” he said.

“In a historic first, the schedule will also feature the introduction of the Under 20 (U20) at the Absa Kip Keino showcase, adding a fresh layer of youthful energy to the meet. This year’s event is free. We therefore expect Kenyans to show up in huge numbers and support our local athletes.”

On his part, Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui anticipates outstanding performances, particularly in the sprints, thanks to the newly installed Mondo track at Nyayo Stadium.

The upgraded surface is expected to enhance speed and performance, potentially setting the stage for record-breaking runs in the 100m and 200m events.

Beyond the Kip Keino Classic, Absa’s KSh 60 million commitment also supports other key events, including the Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country held earlier this year.