Absa Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Kenyan athletics with a fresh investment of KES 60 million into the 2025 athletics season. This includes the renewal of its title sponsorship for the prestigious Absa Kipkeino Classic, which is set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.
Of the KES 60 million, KES 40 million will go directly to Athletics Kenya to support the planning and execution of this year’s Kipkeino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Series. The remaining amount will support other events in the athletics calendar, including the Absa Sirikwa Classic held earlier this year and upcoming youth engagement programmes.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 Kipkeino Classic Tour, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, praised Absa for its steadfast support of athletics over the years.
“The Kipkeino Classic has grown into a world-class event in just six years,” said CS Mvurya. “This success has encouraged the government to increase its support. I commend Absa Kenya for being a consistent and reliable partner in this journey.”
Mwihaki Wachira, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Kenya, underscored the bank’s broader mission in using sport as a tool for empowerment.
“We believe sport is a powerful force for national unity, pride, and community progress,” said Wachira. “Over the past decade, we’ve invested more than KES 1.3 billion in various sports disciplines, and we’re proud of the impact this has had.”
She added that the bank’s six-year partnership with Athletics Kenya has transformed the Kipkeino Classic into a global platform for both elite and emerging athletes. “We’re proud to showcase Kenya as a premier athletics destination.”
Absa’s sponsorship over the past six years now totals KES 200 million, reinforcing its position as one of the strongest corporate supporters of athletics in the region.
This year’s Kipkeino Classic is expected to draw 189 athletes from around the world, including 59 from Kenya. Sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala and fellow Kenyan Otieno Mark will headline the men’s 100m, facing stiff competition from Olympic champion Jerome Blake, World U20 titleholder Bayada Walaza, and World Indoor silver medallist Laclan Kennedy.
The women’s 200m promises fireworks with Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji making her debut, alongside Botswana’s fastest woman, Tsaone Sebele. Kenyan stars Mary Moraa and Wiseman Were will also compete.
Athletics Kenya President, General Jackson Tuwei, expressed confidence in a strong turnout both on-ground and through global broadcasts.
“The Absa Kipkeino Classic has become one of Africa’s signature athletics events,” he said. “This year’s edition will be especially important as athletes prepare for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.”
The event will also feature kids’ athletics sessions, in line with the World Athletics programme aimed at nurturing future talent.
In addition to the Kipkeino Classic, Absa Bank also supported the Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country event held in February, further solidifying Kenya’s reputation as a global athletics hub.
The 2025 Absa Kipkeino Classic is expected to once again raise the bar in sports excellence, fan engagement, and youth inspiration on the African continent.