Why the 2026 Kip Keino Classic will be free for spectators
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 04.04.26. | 15:16
The move marks a departure from the 2025 edition, in which the event at the Ulinzi Sports Complex introduced ticketing for the first time
Fans attending the 2026 Kip Keino Classic will enjoy free entry to one of Kenya’s premier athletics events, as organisers shift focus from gate collections to long-term growth of the sport.
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The move marks a departure from the 2025 edition, in which the event at the Ulinzi Sports Complex introduced ticketing for the first time. Spectators paid Ksh200 for regular access and Ksh2,000 for VIP seating.
Despite that, Kenya has consistently demonstrated its ability to fill stadiums. Events such as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the HSBC SVNS II leg hosted in Nairobi earlier this year drew impressive crowds.
However, organisers of the 2026 Kip Keino Classic edition are taking a different route, one guided by the World Athletics strategic framework, the World Plan for Athletics 2022–2030.
This long-term blueprint emphasises growing the sport beyond immediate financial returns, with a focus on participation, fan engagement, and global reach.
Developed through a “Global Conversation” involving over 25,000 stakeholders, the plan outlines clear targets and timelines to elevate athletics worldwide.
At its core are five key pillars: increasing participation at the grassroots level, building technical and administrative capacity, expanding the global fan base, strengthening partnerships, and introducing innovative event formats to keep athletics relevant to younger audiences.
According to Athletics Kenya Vice President Jinaro Kibet, the decision to waive entry fees aligns directly with this broader vision.
“There is much more to sport than just entrance fees. As mentioned in the World Plan 2022–2030, the focus is on engagement, promotion, participation, and growing the fan base.
The decision not to charge for this year’s edition is not because of a lack of fans,” Kibet explained.
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He added that Kenya’s athletics scene is strong enough to sustain ticketed events, but the priority at this stage is accessibility.
“I am confident that if we introduced a fee, the event would still sell out. However, this is about encouraging the growth of the sport rather than focusing on what we can gain from the fans,” he said.
Kibet further noted that for a well-structured and adequately sponsored event, revenue from ticket sales plays only a minor role.
“When an event is well planned, well sponsored, and adequately funded, gate collections become a very small part of the bigger picture,” he added.
The event will be held on Friday, 24 April at the Nyayo National Stadium.