The Ministry of Sports has allocated Ksh 300 million for the organization of the 6th edition of the Absa KipKeino Classic, set to take place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on May 31.
The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, during the official launch of the event. Mvurya assured that preparations at the Ulinzi Sports Complex are on track and will be completed by this Saturday, ensuring the venue is ready for the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting.
“The KipKeino Classic has grown into a world-class event in six years, inspiring the government to increase its commitment,” stated CS Mvurya. He called on Kenyans to fill the 10,000-capacity stadium and support local athletes as they compete against top international talent.
Absa Bank continues as the title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, contributing Ksh 60 million—Ksh 40 million for event planning and Ksh 20 million in kind.
Mwihaki Wachira, Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting sports as a means of fostering national unity and empowering communities. “Over the last decade, we have invested over KES 1.3 billion in Kenyan sports, viewing athletics as integral to telling the inspiring stories of our athletes,” Wachira remarked.
This year’s KipKeino Classic will feature 189 athletes, including 59 Kenyans. The lineup boasts international stars such as Switzerland’s 2019 World bronze medallist Mujinga Kambundji, 2016 Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, two-time world javelin champion Anderson Peters from Grenada, and reigning hammer throw world champion Ethan Katzberg from Germany.
The event, traditionally held at Nyayo Stadium, has been relocated to Ulinzi Sports Complex due to ongoing renovations at the former venue. The KipKeino Classic continues to cement Kenya’s status as a premier destination for global athletics.
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