2026 Kip Keino Classic event goes under floodlights for the first time:
The Kip Keino Classic race took place at the Nyayo National Stadium from 4 pm to 9pm on April 24th, 2026. This was the first time ever that the event was staged under floodlights thus delivering a high-energy atmosphere for spectators and further creating a world-class night-track environment for the athletes. On April 2nd, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Absa Bank Kenya renewed its title sponsorship for the event dubbed ‘the Absa Kip Keino Classic Tour’ with a K sh 35 million (M) investment. for the race to be held at the
The evening schedule was part of Absa’s broader commitment to athletics in 2026. Notably, Absa has, in recent months, committed K sh 60 M to support the national athletics calendar. This includes the event under review here (the K sh 35 M investment in the Absa Kip Keino Classic, of which K sh 27 M covered rights fees, and with the rest supporting the event execution, and fan and stakeholder experiences, as well as continued support for media amplification and engagement). Also in the sponsorship schedule is the ‘Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country’ event held in February this year (2026) and which highlighted the highest standard of cross-country competition in Kenya. The event also reinforced the country’s capacity to host international cross-country events.
The Kip Keino Classic sponsorship marks Absa’s sixth year as the title partner, bringing its total investment to K sh 196 M over this period. This sustained commitment has ensured that the Kenya’s elite and emerging stars stories reach a global audience, while successfully positioning brand Kenya as both a sporting and tourism destination on the world stage.
Also dubbed the ‘World Athletics Continental Gold Tour Race’, the Absa Kip Keino Classic, gathered top-tier local and international athletes for an exceptional track and field competition and which highlighted some of the fastest sprinters, most skilled field athletes, and emerging global talents, all of whom are vying for substantial prize money and valuable world ranking points on Kenyan soil.
At the sponsorship announcement event, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira, explained Absa’s support to sports in the country and reaffirmed the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting athletics and strengthening the Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
“Our purpose at Absa Kenya is to empower Africa’s tomorrow together with partners, one story at a time, and we regard sports as a powerful platform to do. We support talents and strengthen the ecosystems around the talents. Through long-term partnerships, we’re contributing to the growth of athletics in Kenya, while helping to position the country as a global sporting and tourism destination,” Wachira affirmed.
“In the past one decade, we’ve have invested close to K sh 2 billion (B) in Kenya’s sports ecosystem. We’re proud to continue that journey with the Kip Keino Classic, working alongside government and Athletics Kenya to deliver another world-class event,” she added.
During the sponsorship announcement event, the Athletics Kenya Meet Director Barnabas Korir had expressed optimism that the floodlight event would attract huge numbers both locally and from around the world.
On that day, a curtain-raising national event took place at 1.40pm and concluded with the 100m men’s race followed by the closing ceremony from 8pm. In a historical move, the schedule also featured the introduction of the Under 20 (U20) highlight & showcase, adding a fresh layer of youthful energy to the event.
“This year’s event is free. We therefore expect Kenyans to show up in huge numbers and support our local athletes,” Korir had observed.
Among the athletes that had been expected to compete at the event included reputedly Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala; Olympic champion Thomas Rohler; World Champion and Diamond League Final winner Timothy Cheruiyot; American Olympic athlete Dalilah Muhammad; African record holder in Javelin Julius Yego; Canadian hammer thrower, 2024 Olympic champion and two time World Champion Ethan Katzberg; Kenyan middle-distance runner, Olympic and World champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Ugandan middle distance runner and 2019 World champion Halima Nakaayi, among many others.
Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui was hopeful of fast times in the 100m and 200m races, probably even world record paces, with the newly installed Mondo track at the Nyayo Stadium.
