Kip Keino Classic Secures KES 35M Absa Boost as Historic Floodlit Edition Looms
Nairobi, April 2, 2026-. Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its title sponsorship of the Absa Kip Keino Classic with a KES 35 million investment. This sets the stage for a landmark edition scheduled for April 24, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium.
For the first time, the 2026 edition will take place under floodlights, with competitions running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The evening format is expected to improve the fan experience while providing athletes with a world-class night-track environment. This move reinforces Kenya’s position as a top global athletics destination.
The Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour, will once again bring together elite local and international competitors. Expected participants include Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic champion Thomas Rohler, world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, Olympic gold medalist Dalilah Muhammad, javelin star Julius Yego, Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg, and middle-distance athletes Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Halima Nakaayi.
As part of its broader commitment to sports in 2026, Absa has set aside KES 60 million for Kenya’s athletics calendar. This will cover rights fees, event delivery, and improved fan and media engagement. The bank’s six-year partnership with the Kip Keino Classic now totals KES 196 million. This shows its ongoing role in growing the sport and promoting Kenya’s global sporting profile.
Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira said the sponsorship supports the bank’s long-term vision of empowering communities through sport. She mentioned that the bank has invested nearly KES 2 billion in Kenya’s sports sector over the last decade, helping with talent development and strengthening the overall athletics value chain.
On the organizing front, Athletics Kenya is confident that the floodlit format will increase attendance and global viewership. Meet Director Barnabas Korir confirmed the event will begin with a national curtain-raiser and will feature an Under-20 category for the first time to highlight emerging talent.
The event will be free to attend, which organizers hope will attract large local crowds to support Kenyan athletes. Competition Director Kennedy Tanui expects fast times, especially in the sprints, and noted that the newly installed Mondo track at Nyayo Stadium will enhance performance.
In addition to the Kip Keino Classic, Absa’s 2026 athletics support also included the Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country earlier this year, further establishing Kenya as a capable host of top-tier international competitions.
