How Ulinzi Complex received green light to host Kip Keino Classic
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.05.25. | 10:25
Online, some skeptics had raised concerns that times recorded at Ulinzi might not be recognized by World Athletics
The annual Kip Keino Classic will be held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex for the first time since inception.
The venue change has stirred debate and curiosity from athletics fans, who felt that facility was not big enough to stage the global event.
The World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, traditionally hosted at either the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, or Nyayo National Stadium, has had to find a new home due to delays caused by ongoing renovations at Nyayo.
The upgrades are in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), slated for August.
But the final blow came when heavy rains disrupted the installation of a new tartan track at Nyayo, leaving organizers with no choice but to activate a Plan B.
Race Director Barnaba Korir has assured fans and critics alike that the military-owned Ulinzi Sports Complex meets the global standards required by World Athletics.
“I know there’s been a lot of concern about whether the venue is certified. Let me clarify the process we’ve gone through," Korir explained.
He said that after it became apparent Nyayo wouldn’t be ready, the organizing team reached out to World Athletics officials and brought them to inspect Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Following their guidance, the necessary improvements were swiftly implemented.
“By the time we made the decision to shift the venue, everything had already been certified. Ulinzi was measured, and we promptly informed WA. Their technical director came, we explained the situation, presented the measurements, and they gave us the green light,” Korir added.
.jpg)
He further reassured that everything is 99.9% accurate, and all relevant information has been submitted for eligibility confirmation.
Meetings with World Athletics and the Continental Tour event team sealed the venue’s approval.
Online, some skeptics had raised concerns that times recorded at Ulinzi might not be recognized by World Athletics.
Korir’s clarification has now put those doubts to rest.
This year’s Kip Keino Classic will also include a kids’ athletics segment, part of World Athletics' global push to nurture the next generation of talent.
In terms of financial backing, the meet remains under the title sponsorship of Absa Bank, which has committed Ksh60 million (Ksh40 million in cash and Ksh20 million in kind) for the sixth consecutive year.
The Ministry of Sports has also injected Ksh300 million to ensure a successful staging of the event.
Fans attending the 2025 edition will, for the first time, be required to pay entry fees, a move likely aimed at boosting the event’s sustainability and crowd management.
