The 2nd edition of the prestigious Kip Keino Classic is just days away and the Government has now stepped in to pump in a staggering Ksh 250 million that will ensure the success of the event that's due to take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The government through Sports Principal Secretary Joe Okudo, said that the country has exhibited its prowess in successfully organising events despite Covid-19 challenges. "The only challenge is that with all these exciting activities we have spread ourselves thin as they have been held back-to-back since March," explained Okudo. Okudo noted that Kip Keino Classic has attracted more and top crème athletes including medallists from the Tokyo Olympic Games. "It signifies a resumption of sporting activity within the context of a Covid-19 environment, implying countries like Kenya have acquired skills sets on how to allow sports competitions to continue without putting lives at risk," said Okudo.
Among the sponsors is ABSA Kenya who on Monday announced a Sh20 million boost for the competition during the official launch of the event presided over by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed at a city hotel. ABSA CEO Jeremy Awori, speaking at the sponsorship ceremony in Nairobi on Monday 13 September 2021 said, “It is exciting to see Kenyan athletes do well and it is in this regard that we have partnered with Athletics Kenya for the Continental Tour. As a brand, we draw inspiration from our athletes and I believe the partnership will not only boost the event but also promote tourism through the event."
Among top foreign athletes coming for the Kip Keino Classic are Tokyo Olympics men and women's 3,000m steeplechase champions Soufiane El Bakkali from Morocco and Uganda's Peruth Chemtai. El Bakkali was the first to arrive on Saturday morning.
Others are Tokyo Olympics hammer throw champion Wojciech Nowicki, Olympics 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley and Olympics 200m silver medallist Christine Mboma. Three-time World 100m champion Justin Gatlin and the fastest 100m man this season Bromell Trayvon are also coming for the one-day Kip Keino Classic, alongside Commonwealth Games 400m champion Isaac Makwala of Botswana and World Under-20 200m bronze medallist, South Africa's Sinesipho Dambile.