ABSA Bank pumps Ksh35 million to the 2026 Kip Keino Classic

Absa Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to athletics by investing Ksh35 million as title sponsor for the 2026 Kip Keino Classic, set for Friday, 24 April at Nyayo National Stadium.

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In a historic first, this year’s edition will be staged under floodlights, with action running from 4 PM to 9 PM. The shift to an evening schedule is expected to create a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere for fans while offering athletes a world-class night-track experience.

The Ksh35 million forms part of Absa’s broader Ksh60 million commitments to Kenya’s 2026 athletics calendar.

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Of the Kip Keino Classic sponsorship, Ksh27 million will go towards rights fees, with the remainder supporting event execution, fan engagement, stakeholder experience, and media amplification.

This marks Absa’s sixth year as title partner, bringing its total investment in the event to Ksh196 million.

Over the past decade, the bank has pumped close to Ksh2 billion into Kenya’s sports ecosystem, underlining its long-term vision of growing athletics and positioning the country as a global sporting powerhouse.

Speaking on the renewed partnership, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira emphasised the role of sport in driving impact.

“At Absa, our purpose is to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time, and we see sport as a powerful platform to do that by supporting talent and strengthening the ecosystems around it.

Through long-term partnerships, we are contributing to the growth of athletics in Kenya, while helping to position the country as a global sporting and tourism destination,” she said.

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Athletics Kenya Meet Director Barnabas Korir expressed confidence that the new format will draw both local and global attention.

“We are all set for this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic Tour event, which will for the first time be under the floodlights… This year’s event is free. We therefore expect Kenyans to show up in huge numbers and support our local athletes,” Korir noted.

Top stars are expected to headline the event, including Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic javelin champion Thomas Röhler, world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, American Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, javelin great Julius Yego, Olympic hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Uganda’s world champion Halimah Nakaayi.

Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui anticipates fast times, particularly in the sprints, aided by the newly installed Mondo track at Nyayo Stadium. This raises the possibility of world record-chasing performances.

Beyond the Kip Keino Classic, Absa’s 2026 athletics backing also included support for the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country held earlier this year.