AK president: Expect fireworks at Kip Keino Classic

The fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, a World Continental Tour Gold, was launched today at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, which was also the host of the first edition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The colorful launch which is slated for April 20, 2024, was attended by Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, Sports Principal Secretary, Eng. Peter Tum and deputy speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei.

Speaking during the launch, AK president, Jackson Tuwei said athletics fans should expect fireworks on that material day as athletes fight for top honours in their respective fields.

“We are calling on everyone to come and watch the Kip Keino Classic. This is the only race of its kind in Africa. There will be fireworks at Nyayo on that Saturday as athletes compete,” said Tuwei.

This year’s edition has attracted the who-is-who in world athletics including Olympics 200m silver medalist Kenneth Bednarek, who a fortnight ago defeated the three time world Champion, Christian Coleman.

The 2016 Olympics javelin champion Thomas Rohler, Olympics hammer throw champion Wojciech Nowicki and the 2022 world hammer throw champion Pavel Fajdeck, will also grace the event.

Kenya will be led by the Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, World 800m champion Mary Moraa, World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi and former World Javelin champion, Julius Yego among others.

Speaking during the launch, race director Barnaba Korir called on Kenyans to come and support these athletes on competition day.

“Those are the athletes who will be competing and we ask all Kenyans to come and fill the stadium so that we can have a memorable event even as we think of how to host bigger events in the future,” Korir said.

He said all preparations are as per schedule including the tartan track, which is undergoing minor repairs.

“We have talked to World Athletics and they have said the track is in accordance with the standards and only needs minor repairs. That is what we are undertaking and then we will be good to go,” Korir added.

 Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum who was also representing the Cabinet Secretary said Kip Keino Classic is pivotal to the government’s agenda for the sports industry in Kenya and assured of their support for years to come.

“This event is important to the Ministry of Sports. From where I sit, the future of Kenyan sports is bright and that’s why we want to support events such as these. We will continue to support the Kip Keino Classic in a big way,” the PS said.

On her part, Hon Shollei expressed her admiration for Kenyan athletes and acknowledged their crucial role in bringing honour to the country.

“I admire Kenyan sportsmen and women for the hard work they put in to get to the level that they are. Whenever I am abroad, I am always proud to say I come from Kenya, said Shollei.