Bigger and better: Absa pump in more millions into Kip Keino Classic
Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke (centre) receives a dummy cheque of Sh60 million from Absa Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed (right) during the launch of the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on May 5, 2023.
What you need to know:
- Mohamed said the drive to fund sports in the country is derived from their “Äfricanacity” campaign that embraces the African spirit that always finds unique ways of getting things done regardless of the situation.
Absa Kenya has double its sponsorship for this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic scheduled for May 13 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Absa Kenya managing director Abdi Mohamed announced a sponsorship of Sh 60 million for the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, up from Sh 23m the bank released for last year’s event.
Absa Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed speaks during the launch of the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on May 5, 2023.
Mohamed said the sponsorship that marks their largest investment will see Sh50m go towards the cash prizes and logistics among other things.
Mohamed explained that Sh10m will cover expenses for this year’s Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour that was held February 4 in Eldoret and for Team Kenya for the just ended Africa Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 Championships.
“This is our biggest investment and we are so proud of it. We have now spend close to Sh 100m in three editions of Kip Keino Classic now,” said Mohamed.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei makes his remarks during the launch of the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on May 5, 2023.
Mohamed was speaking when he handed over the sponsorship cheque to Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke and Kip Keino Meet Director Barnaba Korir and Meet manager Kennedy Tanui at a colourful ceremony at the Safari Park Hotel on Friday.
Mohamed said the drive to fund sports in the country is derived from their “Äfricanacity” campaign that embraces the African spirit that always finds unique ways of getting things done regardless of the situation.
Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke speaks during the launch of the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on May 5, 2023.
“Sports empower, inspire and unite people and that is why Absa is proud to be associated with Kip Keino Classic and Athletics Kenya,” said Mohamed, adding that it’s an exciting opportunity to partner and bring to life the Kip Keino Classic.
“It’s not just a day's event but takes a lot of effort and logistical planning, hence a true testament of teamwork,” said Mohamed.
Mueke, who welcomed Absa Kenya’s sponsorship, encouraged the corporate world to come on board and make Kip Keino Classic once again a tremendous success.
From left: Absa Kip Keino Classic Meet Director Barnaba Korir, Commonwealth Games 800 metres champion Mary Moraa, Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, 400m hurdles runner Wiseman Were and Absa Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamed pose for photos with a dummy cheque of Sh60 million during the launch of the 2023 Absa Kip Keino Classic at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on May 5, 2023.
Echoing liberation icon Nelson Mandela’s famous quote, Mueke said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.”
Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei hinted that chances are high that the Kip Keino Classic could be upgraded to Diamond league status next season.
“We have applied to World Athletics and things are looking good since we only have one Diamond League event in Africa in Rabat, Morocco,” said Tuwei.
