The 2026 Absa Kip Keino Classic delivered one of its most memorable editions on 24 April 2026 as world-class athletes lit up Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting attracted a strong international field, with Olympic champions, world medallists and leading African athletes competing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Several meeting records fell during the evening, underlining the growing stature of the event on the global athletics calendar.
Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala provided one of the highlights of the night when he powered to victory in the men’s 100 metres in a season-best performance, sending the home fans into celebration. American Olympic champion Gabrielle Thomas also impressed with a dominant sprint display, claiming victory in both the women’s 100 metres and 200 metres to emerge as one of the standout performers of the meeting. Middle-distance races also produced strong performances from Kenyan athletes, who once again demonstrated the country’s depth on the track.
In the field events, Olympic champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg delivered world-class hammer throw performances that added to the quality of the meeting. Their achievements, alongside the fast times on the track, helped make the 2026 edition one of the most successful in the history of the Absa Kip Keino Classic. The event once again reinforced Nairobi’s reputation as an emerging destination for elite international athletics in Africa.
