NAIROBI, Kenya, June 24, 2025 – Athletics Kenya (AK) and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) have announced a long term partnership that will begin with this year’s National Championships through to the national trials for the World Championships.
AK president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei described the partnership as a coming-together of two indigenous institutions that will make Kenyan athletics stronger.
“This is the second time we’re partnering with KCB. It is like now you’re welcoming us home and we’re so happy we are back together. I am sure this will last beyond our ages. When two institutions come together, it strengthens the state of a country. We are making Kenya stronger than before by coming together,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
The president further exuded hope that KCB is just what the ‘doctor’ has ordered for Kenyan athletes, many of who are in need of financial literacy programmes, to invest their winnings wisely.
“Thank you for supporting these athletes here not only in athletics but also education. Help us help these athletes to invest their winnings easily. With your permission, we will now prepare a programme where you can come and talk to them,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
He added: “With the support you’ve given us today, we are going very far. We are now preparing for Tokyo and tomorrow we have the national championships, to be followed by the national trials.
In the short term, the bank has pumped in Ksh 4 million towards the National Championships – set for Wednesday (June 25) to Friday (June 27) at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
An additional Ksh 4m will be directed towards the national trials for the World Championships, scheduled for August 1-2.
KCB Group Foundation’s director Mendi Njonjo expressed their pride at working with a sport that has brought so much pride and joy to the country.
“Today is a day we are really excited about and have been looking forward to us as KCB. Today marks a celebration of our proud athletics heritage and appreciation of our exceptional talent. We have unwavering belief in power of Kenyan athletics. Our commitment to empowering Kenyan youth runs deep,” Njonjo said.
She said they would be cheering Team Kenya as they go to Tokyo and do what they do best – win medals and fly the Kenyan flag high.
“With proper preps we are confident our athletes will bring an abundance of medals and make us proud. Our commitment is that we will continue investing in you. Keep inspiring and keep elevating Kenya in the global stage,” Njonjo said.
Speaking at the same time, AK’s director of marketing Abraham Mutai thanked the bank for their timely support.
He revealed that this week’s national championships will go a notch higher in competitiveness thanks to KCB’s financial injection.
“I am the happiest man today. On behalf of AK and the marketing team, thank you to KCB. This is the future and what will bring success to this country and I know this will happen. For people, for better,” Mutai said.
He added: “This is one of the only national championships that will come out differently because of the attractive prize money. We will use this money wisely. We assure you.”
At the same time, the bank unveiled five young athletes selected from the past weekend’s national trials for the Africa Under 20 Championships in Nakuru who have been enrolled in KCB’s scholarship programme.
