Sports CS Amina scraps entry fees for Kip Keino Classic

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed on Friday scrapped entry fees for the Kip Keino Classic at Kasarani on Saturday.

Mohamed urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers for the Continental Tour event, which has attracted a galaxy of stars from across the globe.

Amina said that a lot has gone into the preparations of this year's event and thanked World Athletics and the sponsors led by Absa Kenya for their support.

Amina welcomed the 160 athletes who will be taking part in various events and told them to enjoy Kenya's hospitality.

"The fact that the field has Olympic, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and continental medallists attests to the growth of the Kip Keino Classic," said Amina, adding that the event has recorded huge success and it's a high time it's taken to the next level.

"We have written to World Athletics to upgrade this Continental Gold Tour event to a Diamond League status next year. We hope our wish will be granted," said Amina, who was accompanied by the Kip Keino Classic Meeting Director Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei and Absa Kenya chief executive officer Jeremy Awori.

Amina said the success of the event will affirm to the world that Kenya is ready to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Korir said they are determined to give the world the best event. "All the technical aspects of the event have been addressed and we are ready to roll out. We welcome the government's move to scrap the entry fees," said Korir.

The officer in charge of traffic in Nairobi, Joshua Omukata, said the event is fully secured and asked Kenyans to turn out in numbers for the races.