Kenya is hoping to use the high-profile Absa KipKeino Classic to bolster the country’s bid to host a athletics global event in 2029.
Athletics Kenya President General Jackson Tuwei said the experience of hosting the Absa KipKeino Classic, the only continental tourney in Africa will boost Kenya’s chances of attracting even bigger events.
He said the competition launched five years ago has helped build Kenya’s capacity to coordinate a global event including logistics, medical, accommodation, and management of the tournament.
“We are thrilled and grateful to partner with Absa Bank Kenya for the Absa KipKeino Classics. Their support through the years has enabled us to host a world-class event that puts us at an admirable spot in the global arena, and with this, we are assured of a great event on the 20th of April as we cheer our champions and as we inspire the next generation of athletes. We would like a bigger event and we are hoping to host the World Championship event in 2029,” said Athletics Kenya President General Jackson Tuwei.
The 5th edition of the Absa KipKeino Classic kicks off on April 20 The Classic has attracted elite global athletes and world champions as well as Kenyan stars.
The 100m men will be a duel between Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and Bednarek Kenneth from the USA. The javelin throw men see the return of Rohler Thomas from Germany against our very own Julius Yego. The 800m women will be a duel of the two world champions Nakaayi Halima from Uganda and our very own Mary Moraa.
Other elite global athletes will include Deadmon Bryce from the USA, Ray Shannon from the USA, Kaden Lilly from Germany, Reid Alana from Jamaica, Nowe Oratile from Botswana, Kandisounon Lena from France, Desta Netsanet from Ethiopia, Mboma Christine from Namibia, among others.
Speaking during the official announcement of the sponsorship, Absa Bank Kenya Consumer Banking Director Moses Muthui reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to investing in sports, including athletics.
“As Absa Bank Kenya we are very proud to be part of this journey of nurturing stars through the KipKeino Classic. This championship event provides a great opportunity for Kenyans to not only watch foreign stars in Kenya but to also celebrate our very own homegrown talents whose stories continue to inspire our commitment to this sport as we support and empower them in line with our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time. Their stories indeed matter,” said Mr. Muthui.
Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its title sponsorship for the Absa KipKeino Classic Continental Tour. The lender which has sponsored the event over the last couple of years has committed KES40 million towards Athletics Kenya activities this year where KES30 million will be direct sponsorship as title sponsors of the 2024 Absa KipKeino Classic Tour.
The remaining KES10 million will be used as the leverage amount as well as in supporting other events in the Kenya athletics calendar, including the under 20 youth trials engagement, national trials series events, and Sirikwa Classic which happened in February 2024.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Eng. Peter Tum said, “We thank Absa and all the stakeholders in the entire sporting ecosystem, including Athletics Kenya for getting into this sport and continuing to walk with us in elevating the status of this championship, the only of its kind in Africa. As a ministry, we will continue to give the required support and the government is investing substantially to ensure the success of the 2024 Absa Kip Keino Classic, including through supporting the adequate rewarding of our athletes to ensure that Kenya continues to demonstrate its prowess in sports.”
On his part, Athletics Kenya President General Jackson Tuwei expressed his delight and gratitude to the bank and other sponsors for working round the clock to ensure that this year’s championship is successful.
“We are thrilled and grateful to partner with Absa Bank Kenya for the Absa KipKeino Classics. Their support through the years has enabled us to host a world-class event that puts us at an admirable spot in the global arena, and with this, we are assured of a great event on the 20th of April as we cheer our champions and as we inspire the next generation of athletes. I call on Kenyans to come out in large numbers at the Nyayo National Stadium to support our national stars,” said Mr. Tuwei.
The championship will feature a diverse range of events from sprints, to hammer throws, promising to give Kenyans a first-hand thrilling experience of what happens on the global stage.
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