Jai Shah: The 23-year-old Kenyan bringing Wavelight tech to Absa Kip Keino Classic
For decades, Kenya has defined greatness in distance running through raw talent, discipline, and an unmatched running culture. Now, at the Kip Keino Classic, that tradition meets cutting-edge innovation.
Wavelight technology will debut at the event. This signals a new era in how races are run and experienced in the country.
Wavelight is an LED system built into running tracks. The lights move at a preset pace, giving athletes a real-time visual guide to help them hit target times.
The man behind this project is 23-year-old Kenyan Jai Shah, whose passion for running has brought him to this moment.
“Kenya is a superpower in running, and the world loves watching Kenyan athletes. Now the technology is here to match that level,” Shah said.
Shah’s love affair with athletics began at the age of 12. Competing through school, he once aspired to become a professional athlete. While that path evolved, his connection to the sport never faded.
Today, he still runs recreationally. Shah is currently training for the Chicago Marathon, aiming to improve his personal best of 2:49:26. Beyond personal goals, he is focused on driving innovation in athletics across the continent.
“I am involved in athletics as the African Partner for Wavelight Technologies," Shah noted.
"I contribute to advancing performance innovation and supporting athletes across Africa, beginning with the 2026 Kip Keino Classic."
A light that sets the pace
Wavelight technology is more than a visual guide. It is a precision performance tool, designed to bring accuracy and consistency to pacing, reducing reliance on human pacemakers.
The system synchronises with the timing technology, ensuring that from the moment the starter’s gun fires, the lights move in exact alignment with pre-set target times.
Shah’s interest in the technology began in 2020. Specifically, when Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey and Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei used it during their world record-breaking runs in Valencia.
Driven by curiousity about its impact, he later worked with the system in the United States to better understand its application. Now, he is bringing it to the home of distance running.
“We’ve come to a time where technology is taking over. Wavelight has kicked off in other countries, school and a lot of training programmes are purchasing this, not just for meets but for training," Shah said.
“I noticed no one was doing it in East Africa and I was thinking why not here. Kip Keino classic, the biggest meet in East Africa, is the perfect time. It gives the opportunity for Kenyans to have it and it will revolutionise everything track and field in Kenya.”
Faster times, smarter racing
Athletics meets primarily employ Wavelight technology for long distance track running. Shah however says it could also feature in shorter races at the Absa Kip Keino Classic, depending on organisers and athlete preferences, potentially introducing a new tactical dimension.
“I do expect to see faster times, because mentally it gives athletes ease while they are running, there’s no better feeling than beating the light,” Shah said.
The night time setting of this year's Absa Kip Keino Classic promises a visual impact that could be as striking as the performances.
“The biggest part of running in a stadium, is the spectators and they affect how you run, if everyone is watching where lights are and an athlete is by the lights fans are going to cheer them more," he added.
As the lights prepare to glow around Nyayo’s track, athletes will not just be racing each other. They will be racing the clock, and for the first time in Kenya, they will be able to see it.
