Athletics Kenya moves to unlock sport’s economic power

Turning athletics into a thriving industry is no longer a dream it is a target Kenya believes is within reach.

Athletics Kenya says it will not relent in its push to secure more top-tier competitions, including Platinum-level meetings on the World Athletics calendar, as the country works to raise its global profile.

For a country that has dominated on the track for decades, the next race is clear turning medals into a sustainable athletics industry at home.

Athletics Kenya executive and Sirikwa Classic Meet Director Barnaba Korir believes hosting elite events is the foundation of building a strong sports economy at home.

“We must develop our own systems so that athletes who do not get opportunities to compete abroad can still race at home and earn good money,” Korir said.

“We want to build a solid sports industry here in Kenya and a cross countries and region, we can expand it to Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia and create a strong regional sports market,” he affirmed.

Korir was speaking ahead of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country in Eldoret set for Saturday, a meeting that continues to position Kenya as a serious global host.

Head of Technical Ibrahim Kipkemboi Hussein revealed that Kenya is also exploring – in a renewed effort, the possibility of bidding for a Diamond League meeting.

“I have been informed though it is not yet official that there could be an opening if one of the current hosts drops out. If that opportunity comes, we will definitely go for it,” Hussein said confidently.

Currently, Morocco is the only African nation hosting a meeting in the prestigious Diamond League.

Under Diamond League regulations, all meetings undergo annual evaluation on organisational standards, meaning any new host must meet strict technical, financial and infrastructural requirements.

Still, Kenya’s case is growing stronger. The country already hosts two World Athletics Gold-level events — the Chepsaita Cross Country and the Sirikwa Classic — as well as the Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Continental Tour.

These events have proven Kenya’s technical capability and organisational strength.

Beyond one-day meetings, Kenya has also set its sights on the biggest prize. In September 2025, the country formally submitted a bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029 or 2031 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Africa is yet to host the World Athletics Championships, and Kenya hopes to make history by becoming the first nation on the continent to stage the global showpiece.