By Joshua Otieno | April 24, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The seventh edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic has returned in spectacular fashion, turning Nyayo National Stadium into a global athletics arena featuring Olympic champions and Kenya’s finest talent.
The World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event has drawn massive crowds, with fans enjoying free entry as elite competition unfolds under newly installed floodlights and the debut of wavelight technology in Kenya.
The meet began earlier in the afternoon and is running into the evening, offering fans both in-stadium and at home an opportunity to witness top-tier athletics. The main program is being streamed live on the World Athletics YouTube channel and broadcast locally on KBC Channel 1.
Among the headline events is the men’s 100m showdown, where Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is set to headline the grand finale against a strong international field.
The event has also attracted global stars, including U.S. Olympic champion Gabby Thomas and hammer throw world champion Camryn Rogers, highlighting the meet’s growing international appeal.
Kenyan athletes are equally in focus, with Lilian Odira leading local hopes in the women’s 800m, while the 1500m races are expected to showcase Kenya’s traditional dominance in middle-distance running.
Key evening events include the men’s 200m, women’s 800m, women’s 1500m, men’s 800m, and the highly anticipated men’s 100m finale.
The Kip Keino Classic, named in honor of Kenyan athletics legend Kipchoge Keino, continues to grow as a premier global meet and serves as a crucial benchmark for athletes preparing for upcoming international championships.
