This archive report was first published on 13 September 2021.
The world of athletics is shifting its focus to Kenya as the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour is set to take place at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, September 18, 2021.
The event has received a major boost thanks to Absa, which has banked Ksh 20 million to ensure the competition's success.
International athletes, including Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, are already trickling into the country, led by red-hot Olympic steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco.
El Bakkali lost in the Zurich final to Kenya's Olympic bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen, who also holds the world's fastest time this season (8:07.12) and will be seeking to rub the Olympic triumph in on the Kenyans' backyard this weekend.
On the other hand, the Bank has a great interest in sports because it understands the important role it plays in the betterment of our society, said Absa Kenya Managing Director Jeremy Awori.
“We are privileged to be part of Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Gold Tour event as the title sponsors and we are confident that it will provide our athletes with yet another chance to live their winning spirit and show the world what Kenya is made of. On the other hand, our partnership with Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports will continue supporting sports tourism and promoting our country as a great destination,” Awori said.
On Saturday, September 18, 2021, the meeting will also assemble one of the best ever men's 100m fields ever put together on African soil with 2017 (London) world champion Justin Gatlin of the USA and his compatriot Trayvon Brommel who at 9.77 seconds is the fastest man in the world this year coming up against latest Kenyan sensation Ferdinand Omanyala.
