Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its title sponsorship of the Absa Kip Keino Classic with a KES 35 million investment ahead of the 2026 edition scheduled for April 24 at Nyayo National Stadium.
Historic First as Event Goes Under Floodlights
For the first time since its inception, the Kip Keino Classic will be staged under floodlights, running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Organisers say the evening format is designed to enhance spectator experience and provide athletes with a world-class night-track environment.
The meet will begin earlier in the day with a curtain-raiser national event at 1:40 PM and conclude with the men’s 100m race followed by the closing ceremony at 8:00 PM.
Absa Deepens Investment in Athletics
The 2026 sponsorship marks Absa’s sixth consecutive year as title partner, bringing its cumulative investment in the event to KES 196 million. The bank has also committed a total of KES 60 million towards Kenya’s athletics calendar this year.
Of the KES 35 million allocated to the Kip Keino Classic, KES 27 million will cater for rights fees, while the remainder will support event execution, fan experience, stakeholder engagement, and media amplification.
Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira said the lender remains committed to growing athletics and strengthening the sports ecosystem.
“Through long-term partnerships, we are contributing to the growth of athletics in Kenya while positioning the country as a global sporting and tourism destination,” she said.
Free Entry to Boost Local Attendance
Organisers have announced that the 2026 edition will be free to attend, a move expected to attract large crowds.
Athletics Kenya Meet Director Barnabas Korir said the introduction of floodlights and free entry is expected to boost both local and global viewership.
He also revealed the inclusion of an Under-20 category in the event lineup, aimed at showcasing emerging talent.
“This year’s event is free. We therefore expect Kenyans to show up in huge numbers and support our local athletes,” Korir said.
Star-Studded Line-Up Expected
The Continental Gold Tour meet is set to attract elite athletes from across the globe. Among those expected to compete are Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic javelin champion Thomas Röhler, and world champion Timothy Cheruiyot.
Other notable names include American Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, Kenyan javelin star Julius Yego, Canadian hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi.
Fast Times Expected on New Track
Competition Director Kennedy Tanui expressed confidence that the newly installed Mondo track at Nyayo Stadium will deliver fast times, particularly in the 100m and 200m races, with possibilities of record-breaking performances.
Part of Broader Athletics Support
Absa’s broader athletics sponsorship in 2026 also included support for the Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country Tour held earlier this year, further reinforcing Kenya’s position as a premier destination for global athletics events.
With enhanced investment, a new competition format, and a star-studded line-up, the 2026 Kip Keino Classic is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying editions yet.