Absa Bank Kenya commits KES 11 Million as title sponsor for 2025 Sirikwa classic
Absa Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development in Kenya by renewing its sponsorship of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour with an impressive KES 11 million investment. This announcement, made in Eldoret—the ‘Home of Champions’—cements Absa’s role as the title sponsor for the prestigious event, now officially named the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country.
Scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Eldoret City, the fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic holds Gold-Level status in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, attracting elite athletes from Kenya and around the globe. The event is part of a 14-race global tour, making it a key fixture in the international athletics calendar.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Julius Songok, Absa Bank Kenya’s Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster, highlighted the bank’s unwavering support for Kenyan sports, particularly athletics.
“Throughout the years, we have witnessed the incredible power of sport to inspire, innovate, and unite people from all walks of life, creating lasting value for businesses like Absa and society. This is why we’ve chosen to deepen our partnership with Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports to support this year’s Sirikwa Classic in an even bigger way than before,” said Songok.
Absa’s investment will not only support the logistical organization of the event but also enhance customer and community engagement. The bank has planned several activities around the championship to connect with its customers, partners, and stakeholders in the Rift Valley region, a stronghold for Kenyan athletics.
Athletics Kenya Federation President, Lt. Gen (Rtd.) Jackson Tuwei, expressed gratitude to Absa Bank for its continued support of Kenyan athletics.
“We are delighted to partner with Absa again, whose KES 11 million sponsorship is significant. I also appreciate the Government, through the Ministry of Sports, which has contributed KES 178 million to organize this event. The Absa Sirikwa Classic is the final cross-country event in our calendar this season, which started in October 2024,” said Tuwei.
Tuwei extended an open invitation to all Kenyans to attend the event, emphasizing its importance not just as a competition but as a celebration of Kenya’s rich athletic heritage.
The 2025 Absa Sirikwa Classic promises to be the most competitive yet, with top-tier athletes from Kenya and around the world set to participate. Local stars such as Daniel Simiyu—the 2024 Sirikwa Classic 10km champion—alongside fan favorites Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Stanley Waithaka, will headline the event.
In addition to Kenya’s elite runners, fierce competitors from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are expected to field strong teams. The event will also feature athletes from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ukraine, and India, adding an international flair to the competition. This diverse lineup is expected to deliver thrilling performances, reinforcing Eldoret’s reputation as the epicenter of world-class distance running.
Beyond the track, the Absa Sirikwa Classic has significant economic and social impacts. As a major event on the athletics calendar, it boosts Eldoret’s local economy through increased tourism, hospitality, and business activities. Absa’s continued investment reflects its strategic vision to support not just sports but also community development.
With just days to go, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of athletic prowess. The 2025 Absa Sirikwa Classic will not only crown new champions but also reaffirm Kenya’s status as the heartbeat of global distance running.