Kenya’s DL dreams alive after Kip-Keino Classic success, says Korir

Athletics Kenya youth and development director Barnabas Korir says the recent success of the Kip Keino Classic will increase the chances of Kenya hosting world events in the future.

Speaking on the Hot 96 breakfast show, Korir said that with the completion of the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya, will be ready to bid to host the Diamond League and become the second country in Africa to host the event after Morocco.

“The Kip Keino Classic has been a big success since it started. We are very happy with the progress so far, and when the renovation at the Kasarani is complete, we already have a team to bid for the Diamond League, and so far, we are 80 percent there,” said Korir.

Having hosted the World Cross Country, the World Under-20 Championships, and the World Under-18 Championships successfully, Korir says they will bid for more international events, including the 2029 World Championship.

“All the major events that we have hosted have been a success, and we are dreaming of hosting even bigger events, and I believe we have what it takes and the world to do that,” added Korir.

With the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic set to take place on the 31st of this month at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, all gate collections will go towards supporting all youth camps across the country.

“We have many camps across the country that focus on youth development, something that I am so passionate about.

"The money that we get will be used to help in improving camps inicult areas, and trust me, those areas have a lot of talent; hence, they need help,” stated the director.