Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development chairman, Barnaba Korir, has confirmed that the brand-new running surface at Nyayo National Stadium will be put to the test during the sixth and final leg of the AK Weekend Meeting, scheduled for May 16–17, just two weeks before the Kip Keino Classic.
The ageing tartan at Nyayo has already been ripped up, with the fresh red track having arrived in the country two weeks ago.
Works are now underway, with the federation racing against time to ensure the venue is ready for the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event on May 31.
In an exclusive interview, Korir said the weekend meeting would act as a dress rehearsal for the Kip Keino Classic.
“As AK, we are targeting May 15 as the deadline to complete the new tartan so we can use the sixth AK weekend meeting as a test run,” Korir said.
“The old surface is gone, and workers are now prepping the base for installation. We have less than 30 days to Kip Keino, and the clock is ticking fast.”
Korir, who doubles up as the Kip Keino Classic meet director, urged Sports Kenya and the contractor to fast-track the installation process.
"We are calling on Sports Kenya and the contractor to work around the clock if necessary. This track must be ready, certified and in competition-standard ahead of Kip Keino. If it takes 24-hour shifts, so be it," he said.
He emphasised the importance of having a certified facility, noting that official recognition of times posted, even during local meetings, hinges on the track meeting World Athletics standards.
"We are keen on certification before both the weekend meet and Kip Keino Classic, so athletes’ performances are recognised globally,” he added.
Korir applauded the government for funding the facelift and reiterated that hosting a successful Kip Keino Classic is crucial for Kenya’s future ambitions on the global stage.
"We are grateful to the government for releasing funds to revamp the track. Now, we need swift action on the ground. This year’s Kip Keino is not just another edition — it’s a litmus test for our readiness to host even bigger events.”
"AK is working closely with World Athletics to bid for the 2029 World Championships and also to host the Diamond League in Kenya," he noted.
With just weeks to go, Korir confirmed that the entry lists are nearly complete across most events, with top-tier international names already on board.
“Other than the two Canadian Olympic hammer throw champions who had already been confirmed, we have had a solid influx of international interest."
"The fields for the 100m, 800m and 1,500m are now full. The only remaining slots are in select national events like the women’s 10,000m, women’s shot put, and men’s 400m hurdles," Korir confirmed.
Canada’s Olympic and world hammer throw champions, Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, were the first to confirm their participation.
Olympic bronze medallist and two-time world javelin champion Anderson Peters is also among the star attractions.
Behind the scenes, logistics are nearly complete. “We have already secured travel tickets and booked accommodation for all international athletes. We are now 60 per cent done with preparations.”
This year’s Kip Keino Classic will also feature fresh additions, including family-friendly events and a vibrant mascot to enhance the fan experience.
“This year we introduced new features like kids’ athletics and even a mascot to make this event uniquely Kenyan,” Korir revealed.
“We’re calling on fans to fill Nyayo to the brim for the world to see that Kenya remains the heartbeat of global athletics.”
