Kenya’s track record paves way for more major events, Korir says

Athletics Kenya (AK) Nairobi Branch chairman, Barnaba Korir, has reaffirmed the federation’s readiness to host more major international events in the country.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, Korir highlighted the strong government support, stating that Kenya will bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, a feat he believes the nation is fully capable of host.

“What we want to do now is to dream for more big events. Our President has talked about bidding for the World Championship in 2029 and if the government comes through to confirm they will be funding, there is a high chance that Kenya will win the bid to host the event,” stated Korir.

Korir, the Youth Development Head at Athletics Kenya expressed satisfaction with the growth of cross country in Kenya, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping future athletes.

“Cross country is the basis of all competition and as a federation, we have come up with new ways of doing it. We had six and that culminated to the national cross country that we had in Eldoret recently,” added Korir.

Now in its fourth edition, this year’s Sirikwa Classic is expected to further boost sports tourism, with Korir confident in its impact on the country’s athletic reputation.

“Athletic has brought a lot of sports tourism in the country. You can go to a place like Iten, it is completely inhabited by foreigners who come and train with their the coaches. Even in places like Nyahururu, it’s the same. Western part of Kenya where we have camps, it has even become hard to settle in Eldoret because it’s completely full,” averred Korir.