NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20, 2025 – Double world indoor champion Mujinga Kambundji and national hero, Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala are among star attractions expected at this year’s Kip Keino Classic on May 31.
The two are among 189 athletes who will compete in different categories at the sixth edition of the World Continental Tour Gold, set for the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Meet director Barnaba Korir says the event will be bigger and better than last year’s as these athletes battle for top honour.
“This year’s edition has surpassed last year in terms of the number of athletes who have confirmed their participation. There are so many competitions happening around the world but we still have athletes from all over wanting to come and run here in Kenya,” Korir said.
Kambundji will be making her debut at the one-day meet whereas Omanyala is expected to once again light up the stadium with his electrifying performance in the men’s 100m.
The African record holder will be keen to make up for last year when he finished fifth in the same race at the Nyayo Stadium – the first time he has failed to make the podium in the four editions he has competed in.
Omanyala arrives in Nairobi in a rich vein of form, having clocked an African record of 14.70 in the men’s 150m at the Atlanta City Games in the United States on Saturday night.
He was also part of the national men’s 4x100m relay team that finished second at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China and qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo, in September.
The who-is-who of world athletics
Other than Omanyala and Kambundji, other athletes that will strut their stuff at the Ulinzi Complex include World Indoor 60m silver medalist Lachlan Kennedy (Australia), Olympic hammer throw champion Rogers Camryn (Canada), three-time Olympic hammer throw champion Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland), the 2016 Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler (Germany) and then silver medalist Julius Yego of Kenya, among others.
Speaking at the same time, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said this roster of elite athletes points to the burgeoning stature of the event.
“It is a personal joy and honour for me to welcome the world to Kenya. Kenya is known for athletics and our profile is very high. This event has grown into a world class event and attracts athletes from all over the globe,” Mvurya said.
Echoing his comments, Athletics Kenya president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei said the event, among other competitions hosted by Kenya, is building the country’s profile as they prepare to bid for the 2029 World Championships.
“Let us all work hard to attract more events and build on the success of Sirikwa and Kip Keino Classic. We also have the Great Chepsaita Cross Country that has also been given a gold label. This shows we are moving forward. We hope to this time win the bid for the World Championships in 2029,” the president said.
Financial injection
This year’s competition is set for the Ulinzi Sports Complex even as works continue at the Nyayo Stadium – originally designated as the venue.
The CS promised that the stadium is ready to host a world class event, adding that preparations have been detailed to ensure compliance with World Athletics standards.
“I want to announce officially that we will have it here in Ulinzi. We cannot host it in Nyayo because of ongoing works. Ulinzi meets the expectations and where there is a shortfall, that will be completed by Saturday. There should be no reason for panic,” the CS said.
He urged Kenyans to turn up in their numbers on the D-day even as he announced a government sponsorship of Ksh 300 million towards the event.
“Kip Keino Classic is an opportunity to showcase our passion and unity. We are not only hosting but also looking to win in a big way. We expect around 10,000 spectators and we call on all of you to turn up,” Mvurya said.
At the same time, title sponsors Absa Kenya announced a Ksh 60 million financial injection towards this year’s edition.
While making the announcement, the bank’s marketing and corporate director Mwihaki Wachira said the partnership is part of their desire to use sports as a force for good.
“It’s been six years of partnership and wr are happy you have chosen to partner with us. We at Absa invest in stories that matter and the stories of our athletes are great stories. You look at the athlete who the event is names after….to Eliud Kipchoge, Ferdinand Omanyala and Mary Moraa, among others….they are stories of resilience,” she said.
Athletes are expected to start docking in the country from early next week.
