Absa Bank Kenya has renewed its title sponsorship of the Absa Kip Keino Classic with a Sh35 million investment, setting the stage for a historic 2026 edition to be held under floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium.
The World Athletics Continental Gold Tour event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, and will, for the first time, run from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, introducing a night-track experience aimed at boosting both athlete performance and fan engagement.
The latest sponsorship marks Absa’s sixth year as title partner, bringing its total investment in the event to Sh196 million. The bank says the sustained support has helped elevate Kenya’s global sporting profile while amplifying the stories of both elite and emerging athletes.
Beyond the Kip Keino Classic, Absa has committed Sh60 million to the 2026 national athletics calendar. Of this, Sh27 million will go toward rights fees for the Classic, with the remainder supporting event execution, fan experience, and media engagement.
Speaking during the announcement, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira said the lender remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
“Sport is a powerful platform to empower talent and build ecosystems. Through long-term partnerships, we are supporting athletics while positioning Kenya as a global sporting and tourism destination,” she said.
She added that the bank has invested nearly KES 2 billion in Kenya’s sports sector over the past decade.
Organisers say the shift to an evening schedule is expected to attract larger crowds and a wider global audience. Athletics Kenya Meet Director Barnabas Korir expressed confidence in the new format, noting that the event will also introduce an Under-20 category for the first time.
“We expect huge local turnout, especially since entry will be free. The addition of the U20 category brings fresh energy to the competition,” Korir said.
The meet will feature a strong line-up of local and international stars, including Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic champion Thomas Röhler, world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, American hurdler Dalilah Muhammad, javelin star Julius Yego, Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi.
Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui said the newly installed Mondo track at Nyayo Stadium could deliver fast times, particularly in the 100m and 200m races, with the possibility of world-class performances.
The Kip Keino Classic remains one of Africa’s premier athletics events on the global circuit, attracting top-tier talent competing for prize money and crucial world ranking points.
Absa’s broader athletics support this year also included the Sirikwa World Athletics Gold Cross Country Tour held in February, further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a leading host of international competitions.
More Stories
A Space to Lead: Inside the What Women Want Summit
The Dark Side in the Race for Kenya’s Rare Minerals Exposed
Safaricom Tops in Latest Communications Authority Network Quality Report