Africa-Press – Kenya. The seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic is shaping up as a crucial dress rehearsal for global sprinters ahead of the World Athletics Relays, with meet director Barnaba Korir confirming the April 24 showpiece will double as a key stop on the international calendar.
Returning to Nyayo National Stadium, this year’s event will break new ground by being staged under floodlights for the first time, with the evening programme running from 4 pm to 9 pm in what organisers promise will be a high-energy spectacle.
Korir said the timing of the meet—just days before the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana—has made it an attractive destination for elite sprinters fine-tuning their form.
“As we prepare for the World Relays in Botswana, some of the top sprinters from Europe will pass through here as they head to Gaborone,” he said.
“This is because the Kip Keino Classic comes just days before the World Relays, so athletes will make a stop here before proceeding further south to Botswana.”
The meet has already secured a marquee name, with Canadian star Ethan Katzberg confirming his participation. The reigning Olympic and world hammer throw champion arrives in Nairobi with an impressive résumé, including gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and back-to-back world titles.
Katzberg is no stranger to the Kenyan stage, having finished second on his debut in 2023 before going on to dominate the event with victories in 2024 and 2025.
Beyond competition, the event will also serve as a key inspection point for international standards. Officials from World Athletics and Belgian timing firm TimeTronics are expected in Nairobi to assess Kenya’s readiness.
“We expect a team from TimeTronics in Belgium to come and verify the equipment we will be using to ensure everything is in place,” Korir explained.
“We will also have a surveyor from World Athletics to ensure the measurements at Nyayo Stadium meet the required standards, especially after its recent renovation.”
With a packed programme featuring sprints, middle-distance races and field events, Korir believes this year’s edition could be among the most competitive yet. “This year’s programme will feature sprints, middle-distance and field events, and will be one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history,” he said. Drawing inspiration from the successful hosting of the Safari Rally Kenya, organisers are aiming to deliver a world-class spectacle that reinforces Kenya’s growing reputation as a premier destination for global sport. “After a successful Safari Rally, we want to make sure we have a successful Kip Keino Classic,” Korir said.
