2026 Kip Keino Classic set for venue change as organizers eye bigger event
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 23.02.26. | 12:11
The 18,000-seater stadium hosted the inaugural edition in 2020, before the meet moved to Kasarani for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 editions
The 2026 edition of the Kip Keino Classic could make a return to Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, 24 April, as organizers push for a bigger and more electrifying showpiece.
Last year’s event was staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex due to renovation works at both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums.
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However, Athletics Kenya Youth Development chairman Barnaba Korir has revealed that discussions are at an advanced stage to confirm Nyayo as the venue for this year’s World Continental Tour Gold meeting.
“Today at the Nyayo National Stadium, I met with Sports Stadia Director General Mr. Timothy Kilimo, Julius, Diana, and Jimmy as we work on confirming the venue for the Kip Keino Classic on April 24. The chances are very high that we’ll host it here,” Korir shared on X.
He added that preparations are already in full swing to ensure the meet delivers a world-class experience.
“We are now working full throttle as a federation with the government and partners to fill the stadium and make this a world-class event. Success here opens the door to a Diamond League meet, and eventually the World Championships,” he continued.
Taking the event back to Nyayo would mark a return to familiar territory.
The 18,000-seater stadium hosted the inaugural edition in 2020, before the meet moved to Kasarani for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 editions.
It returned to Nyayo in 2024 before shifting to Ulinzi last year.
There had been concerns over Nyayo’s availability as the facility is earmarked for renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The stadium is designated as one of the training venues for the continental showpiece, while Kasarani and the under-construction Talanta Stadium are set to host matches.
The impending closure of both Nyayo and Kasarani has left several sports federations grappling with venue uncertainties.
Football and athletics bodies, in particular, have faced challenges in identifying suitable alternative grounds.
Despite the looming renovations, indications suggest Nyayo could host the Kip Keino Classic for the third time in the event’s history, offering Kenyan fans another opportunity to witness elite global and local stars compete on home soil.
Korir is optimistic that the event will draw massive crowds, citing the successful turnout witnessed during last year’s Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) and the recent HSBC 7s Division 2 tournament.