Kenya races against time to get ready for Kip Keino Classic

Korir, who also serves as Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development chairman, has urged the contractor to consider running 24-hour shifts to ensure the new tartan track is ready in time for the prestigious Continental Tour Gold event.

“With athletes already confirmed, time is not on our side,” Korir said. “If need be, we might push the contractor to work around the clock. This is a global event and we need a world-class surface. Kenya cannot afford to fall short at this stage.”

He appealed to the Ministry of Sports to step in and fast-track the project, noting the Kip Keino Classic has become a vital part of Kenya’s international athletics calendar.

“This is the sixth edition of the event, and it continues to grow in stature. It’s the only Continental Tour meet on the continent and represents Africa on the global athletics map,” he said. “We are working closely with the AK president to ensure the track is completed on time.”

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei has also been championing Kenya’s bid to host the World Athletics Championships in the near future, either at Nyayo or Kasarani Stadium. The timely completion of the track could be a key factor in strengthening that bid.

“The tartan material is already on site,” Korir added. “Once ground preparation is done, laying it down won’t take long. But we only have a few days left. Failure is not an option—it would be a disaster. We want the Kip Keino Classic to be a success as we prepare for even bigger events like the Diamond League and the World Championships.”