Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile network operator, has pledged to sponsor the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour with KES 9.2 million. The event is scheduled to take place on May 13th at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, where the company will provide internet connectivity to support key functional areas such as the media centre and streaming services. The sponsorship will include KES 2.2 million cash incentives for athletes who break records. Each athlete who manages to set a new record will receive KES 250,000, further motivating them to give their best in the competition.

As a company that is committed to supporting athletics in Kenya, Safaricom has been a consistent sponsor of the Kip Keino Classics for the past three years. This year, however, they have decided to increase their sponsorship to show their commitment to the growth of sports in the country. According to Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, the company is proud to provide local athletes with a platform to hone their talent and earn from their passion.

The Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour will feature over 200 top-level athletes from different parts of the world competing with Kenyan athletics champions in various categories. Some of the most renowned athletes who will participate in the event include Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, three-time Olympic Champion in 100m, Shelly-Ann Facer-Pryce from Jamaica, Diamond League final winner in 800m, Mary Moraa, 200m Olympic Games Silver Medalist and six-time Diamond League meeting winner from the US, Kenneth Bednarek, 200m Diamond League final winner Isaack Makwala from Botswana, and Sha’Carri Richardson from the US.

The Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour is an annual series of track and field athletic competitions recognised by World Athletics. The Continental Tour is split into Gold, Silver, and Bronze, forming the second tier of international one-day meetings after the Diamond League. The event will be broadcasted live on local TV and streamed globally, giving athletics fans worldwide an opportunity to enjoy the event in real-time.

Safaricom’s sponsorship of the Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour is a significant step towards supporting athletics in Kenya and providing local athletes with a platform to showcase their talent globally. With the support of Safaricom, the Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour is set to be a memorable event that will not only support the growth of sports in the country but also put Kenya’s athletics scene on the global map.